In a message dated 3/22/01 7:44:28 PM Central Standard Time,
[EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:
> Message: 12
> Date: Thu, 22 Mar 2001 16:04:07 -0800 (PST)
> From: Paul Zerby <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
> To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
> Subject: [Mpls] Letter sent to Ward 2 DFL delegates from Paul Zerby
>
>
> Enclosed is the text of a letter I mailed to Delegates
> prior to the endorsing convention for Ward 2. This got
> rejected when sent as an attachment. Hopefully it's
> okay this way. Please publish it on the forum.
> Thanks!
>
> Paul Zerby for Minneapolis City Council
> (612) 379-8095, [EMAIL PROTECTED]
>
<snip>
> Snowplowing
>
> A winter like this past winter is made even more
> difficult when it takes Minneapolis a day longer than
> St. Paul to get the streets plowed. It would not take
> a great deal more money to also plow out the
> driveways, sidewalks and bus stops that the first
> plowing barricades. More help for the elderly and
> others in keeping sidewalks cleared and sanded only
> makes sense. Broken bones in older people can be slow
> to heal and a serious matter. The streets plainly
> need to be kept open so that fire engines, ambulances,
> and school buses, can safely negotiate them. The
> outrageous costs of towing and storing “snowbirds,” as
> well as the tickets and inconvenience to city
> residents make it imperative that changes be made in
> the plowing regulations in our city. Simply put, if
> it is necessary to reallocate funds to get the job
> done, let’s do it.
While not a great fan of the some the public works that has been done by the
city. I think it is hardly fair to compare Mpls plowing to St. Paul. As I
was driving with some friends in the Hamline area in the past month, they
compared it to driving one of the old fashioned cars at Valleyfair. That is
because they had ruts for the wheels to drive in (with the middle thing to
keep the car on track) but otherwise the street wasn't well plowed.
Minneapolis streets from top to bottom are better cleared than St. Paul
streets. I will say that I think that Minneapolis waited a day to long in
declaring a snow emergency the last time. Which made it hard to clear on the
side streets.
I agree with the better clearing of bus stops and helping the elderly. When
I used to work downtown, I always wondered why Hennepin wasn't cleared really
nicely like Nicollet. Probably something to do with a downtown business
council or business along Nicollet making that the best street in town
(although it could be better). When you think of the numbers that catch
buses on Hennepin, it does seem silly that it doesn't get cleared for easy
loading and unloading. Granted things may have improved on Hennepin in the
past three years. Also lets do a better job of clearing sidewalks around
schools. I went the 9th Ward convention and the sidewalks were solid ice
around Matthews Park and Seward school (little ones can't vote, but they can
fall like the rest of us). I do keep my side walk clear. It is the
neighborly thing to do.
Once again I don't think a change in the snow plowing system will necessary
improve removal and if it ends up like St. Paul will be quite a step back. I
have only had on-street parking in Minneapolis for the past 6+ years and I
have never been towed for snow emergency. The system is quite clear and easy
to check if a snow emergency has been declared. It is a civic
responsibility. I have once been towed for fall street sweeping and once for
spring street sweeping (I bused to work and drove occasionally on both
occasions). They post the signs a day in advance it is our duty to follow
them. I wish they would tow more, because it is even harder to park and
drive on partially cleared streets, this is a real inconvenience. I used to
carry a shovel in my car and would shovel out a spot for parking. I lived at
Franklin and Hennepin.
So in summation. Yes, let us help make sidewalks safe for pedestrians. Let
us strive for clear streets. Let us remember that car owners have a duty to
remove themselves from the areas that are being cleared.
Josh Kroll
Powderhorn
<snip>
>
> If you have any questions or comments, call me at
> (612) 379-8095, or e-mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
>
> Prepared and paid for by Zerby for Council Campaign
> Committee, 97 Orlin Avenue SE, Minneapolis MN 55414
>
>
>
> =====
> Paul Zerby
> 97 Orlin Ave SE
> Minneapolis, MN 55414
> 612-379-8095
> [EMAIL PROTECTED]
>
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