City Launches Plan to Cut Drunk Driving

City officials Tuesday launched a three-pronged attack on drunken driving with the purchase of new Breathalyzer units, awards for police officers who arrest the greatest number of intoxicated drivers and the planned placement of a taxicab stand in front of a popular bar.

The city will rush-order four new Breathalyzers--which are used to measure intoxication--at a total cost of $1,945.

The new units take better readings, are faster, and their results stand up better in court, police said.

The council also allocated two public parking spaces for cabs in front of Henry ‘N Harry’s Goat Hill Tavern, a bustling pub at 1830 Newport Blvd. Intended for patrons too intoxicated to drive, it will be the only stand in the city. Officials have not decided when it will be placed.

“It’s a visual symbol,” said Councilman Gary Monahan, who, as manager of the Goat Hill, brought the idea to the council. “Right now we’re calling a cab, or someone else is calling a cab, which comes from other parts of the city.” Monahan did not vote on the matter because of his involvement with the bar.

The stand also provides cabs at a sanctioned downtown gathering place and should cool complaints from 18th Street residents who are bothered by idle taxis waiting in their neighborhood for calls.

Council members also took time to applaud police officers who lead the department in DUI arrests. Topping the list are: Officers Eric Reinholtz (31 arrests), Robert Coash (53), Angelo Morgan (58), Gary Hendricks (59), David Makiyama (73), Sgt. Karl Schuler (27), and Senior Reserve Officer Barry Schlieder (62). Senior Officers Floyd Waldron and Michael Yarnada, with more than 100 arrests each, will be honored separately.