19th ward blizzard response - the candidates respond: Ray Coronado

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.

19th ward blizzard response - the candidates respond: Anne Schaible

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 will post responses as I receive them.

Here is Anne Schaible's response.

There is an 83yo lady on the **** block of W ***th St who has a 9' ridge of snow blocking her from getting her car out. She is fearful that it won't melt "till April". I have contacted the Review for her. The City plows did this. She can't get to the grocery store.

What would I do differently?

I've proposed a 19th Ward snow command. All too often, we don't have a handle on what's the response to these types of situations in our neighborhood. I would address:

* 19th Ward school closings
* Open pharmacies
* Open grocery stores
* Open gas stations
* Plowing requests/needs
* Com Ed restoration of power
* Metra delays/cancellations
* CTA delays/cancellation
* ER/hospital bypass information

This is the information we need LOCALLY. This is the information we need while the emergency is occurring.