YOU DECIDE - SHOULD THERE BE A STOP SIGN AT THIS CORNER? And if there is a stop sign, shouldn't it be a little closer to the corner? Its hard to believe the installation of stop signs could generate so much conflict in a small town -- but that's what happened in Lyford recently.

Several weeks ago Mayor Henry De La Paz told commissioners that a dangerous traffic condition existed at Park Ave. and La Noria street.

The problem, the mayor said, is that a house on the corner blocks the view of drivers coming from the north. The solution he suggested and one that commissioners agreed to, required a four-way stop at the intersection.

On Monday a resident of the neighborhood, Ricardo Mendoza, showed up at the city meeting to denounce the mayor's idea and produced a petition that he said contains the signatures of 101 Lyford residents who agree with him.

"We are against the stop sign it is senseless. There are only three houses on that street and there are quite a few people who are against it."

Carlos Telles, however, disagreed.

"My family and other familes walk to the church and the children practice baseball there, it is a safety matter," he said.

Commissioner Joey Mendoza is Ricardo Mendoza's nephew and he made the motion to install the signs but has since changed his mind.

"Maybe I made a mistake. I recommend speed bumps to replace the stop signs because there are a majority of the people who don't want the stop signs there," he said.

Commissioner Antonio Chavez said, "When the mayor asked us to put up the stop signs he brought pictures (that show) there could be an accident (without them)."

Chief Paul Campbell said, "the law requires you to stop at a stop sign. If there is none and there is no white line you still have to yield the right-of-way."

Mayor De La Paz asked Mendoza, "If you lived in the house and a car missed your house by three feet would you be in favor of a stop sign?"

"And the stop sign cost $1,000 and it will take another $400 to remove it. If Mr. Mendoza make a mistake it will cost the citizens of Lyford,"he added.

"It was the opinion of the city public works director, the police chief and myself. The corner was identified as a safety hazzard."

Ricardo Mendoza was far from satisfied.

"Are you gonna put a stop sign where ever its needed. There will be stop signs all over town. A lot of people are gonna be inconvenienced. I'm against it and there are 101 people who are against it."

Mayor De La Paz said, "That's nice but there are 1,900 people in town."

Ricardo Mendoza, "People don't want it. Why don't you put it over on Hidalgo Street?"

Chief Campbell said Hidalgo has no obstructions such as the house that blocks 90 percent of the view at Park Street and La Noria.

"I would understand if you lived over there," Mendoza told the chief. "The public works director lives in Sebastian. Where do you live, chief? A new mayor and a new cop," he complained.

Ramon Perez, Jr. suggested lowering the speed limit from 30 to 15 mph at the location and installing speed bumps.

"Some don't respect a stop sign, but a speed bump will slow them down every time," he said.

Joey Mendoza made the motion to remove the stop signs and was supported by Ramon Perez,Jr. They were opposed by Antonio Chavez and Pablo Morales who favor the stop signs.

Mayor De La Paz broke the tie with his vote and by a 3- 2 margin the stops signs will stay where they are.