On Friday, I mentioned pedestrian safety issues in the wake of last week's blizzard. I've asked the candidates how they would handle future blizzards if they were elected alderman. I previously posted Anne Schaible's response and continue to will post responses as I receive them from other candidates.
The following is Ray Coronado's response:
My father spent 33 working for Streets and Sanitation so I know a little about the workings of the department. When we have a storm or blizzard like we did last week the main focus has always been to attack the main streets and make sure they are clear for the public and emergency traffic. Once the main streets are clear the next priority are the side streets.
While this is happening, they pull the garbage trucks from their regular duty to plow city streets. This leaves the laborers free. This labor force has always been utilized to clear sidewalks, crosswalks, bus stops, and around fire hydrants and generally make sure that pedestrians can safely get around the neighborhood.
What happened last week was inexcusable. What have the laborers been doing since they can't pick up garbage?
It is the responsibility of the Ward Superintendent to make sure the streets and sidewalks are cleaned and salted for the residents of the ward. The Alderman also needs to be held accountable for not making sure the Ward Superintendent is getting the job done. I believe this plan is a good one if followed. The question is: why wasn't it?
Anne Schaible has proposed changing to a grid system for trash collection to save money, which would mean we would lose the labor force we currently have in our ward to combat snow removal. Can you imagine how much worse the neighborhood would be if we lose the manpower to help with snow removal? I am against this plan.
1 comment:
I just went to your blog site and saw Anne's response. I'm confused she has campaigned that she wants to do away with the local ward office in favor of a grid system and then in an emergency such as this, have a 19th Ward Snow Command. Isn't that what we have currently by having a 19th ward office? Also the Alderman's office should be working in conjunction with the ward superintendent and could offer the information Anne is suggesting. Is she proposing that every ward have a Snow Command Center? What about the cost of such a center?
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