The big question: was answered last evening at Tourism Commission. Tourism members, the majority of whom have financial interests in the tourism industry, voted to turn their backs on real common-sense safety reforms like routine random drug testing of carriage drivers, placing safeguards for children in the wagons, brakes, or safety releases on wagons. Instead even in the face of a documented 120 carriage-related incidents/accidents since 2016, their debate centered on reflective tape. on wagons.
The gross failure of this City’s Administration to have an unbiased and open-minded discussion about serious issues that affect the very lives of children, citizens, visitors, and animals and grown-up decisions made to keep them safe in Charleston was on full display. One member suggested that those organizations that spoke in favor of more safety reforms should be muzzled by the city going forward since the Tourism Commission had spoken.
The lights went out last night in Charleston, regardless of the reflective tape. When the inevitable occurs, will the Tourism Commission and our Mayor who placed them in seats of power stand tall to take responsibility for their negligence when they had a chance to protect children, citizens, and the public? The clock is ticking.
Had enough? Worried about the safety of children, pedestrians, animals? Tell City Council to introduce and debate the Comprehensive Carriage Safety Ordinance submitted by CCHA last August. Tell them it’s time to get serious about the safety of children, pedestrians, and animals. Tell them you’ll be watching.