Tow abandoned vehicle on Seward Highway

To the Editor:

It happens every year, just like clockwork, as the snow melts to reveal all the dog doodoo in the yards so does it reveal the abandoned cars left along Turnagain Arm. This is obvious to everyone who travels the Seward Highway between Girdwood and Anchorage. The local commuters, the Troopers, the Anchorage Police and DOT trucks; they see it, but why cant they do anything about it?

You know what I'm talking about, the 1985 silver Toyota silver mini van parked on the shoulder of Windy Point—since April 2. Yes, it's been 27 days.

The owner is not coming back for it. So, tow it, bill the owner, teat it as a “moving violation” and when the owner applies for a new drivers license charge him for the towing and storage fees.

If the owner gets pulled over in his new car, charge him. This is not Jim Creek or the Bute, this is Turnagain Arm, voted one of the Top 10 most scenic Highways of North America, according to AAA.

The summer is almost here and the highway will be filled with tourist and tour buses, going back and forth from Whittier and Seward, several times a day, and everyone is going to see this junk car on the side of the road.

The Alaska Railroad passengers looking for dahl sheep are going to see this junk car. So, tow it.

I asked the State Troopers once, you see it, why cant you do anything? His answer: It's not in the roadway, it's not three feet from the roadway, and it's not on fire. On fire! Why wait for that?

You know after three days, no one is coming back for it. Tow it.

I've called DOT, and the person they gave me to actually lives in Girdwood, and he sees the abandoned cars too, everyday. Why does he wait for someone to complain? Take the initiative, and tow it, and find the owner and charge him.

And let's keep Turnagain Arm beautiful.

Mitch Montgomery
Anchorage