Kwame Urges Mayor Fenty to Close DC Government or Use Liberal Leave Monday
Filed under Real Solutions, Safeguard Communities, The People's Blog
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Kwame plowing snow for residents during the last major snow storm
This weekend the Washington Metropolitan Area experienced what has been described as a once in every “100-years” snow storm, that blanketed much of the region with over 24 inches of snow, with reported snow drifts of over four feet. Councilmember Brown called on Mayor Adrian Fenty to close District government or institute liberal leave on Monday to keep emergency routes clear and allow residents an opportunity to dig out.
“I have received updates from all over the city of residents that have just begun to dig themselves out from the Blizzard of 2010,” said Councilmember Brown. “I have also received reports that most of the city’s sidewalks are impassable, forcing many residents to venture out on foot to walk in the streets.”
It is imperative that residents be given the necessary time dig out from under nearly 24 hours of record-breaking snow accumulation. Although snow removal teams have done an outstanding job of working around the clock to get the District’s main traffic arteries cleared, most residents do not live along major commuter traffic routes.
The current conditions are extremely dangerous for two reasons: first, roadways need to be kept clear of pedestrian traffic as emergency service vehicles need to respond rapidly to service requests; secondly, as more vehicles, particularly 4-wheel drives, attempt to navigate city streets, the potential threat to public safety cannot be ignored. In addition, many seniors and people unable to shovel the sidewalks in front of their houses must rely on the generosity of neighbors to help clear a pedestrian pathway.
Uncleared sidewalks in front of Harriet Tubman ES
In the interest of public safety, Councilmember Brown closed his office on Monday and asked his staff to concentrate on clearing the walkways in their neighborhoods. With predictions of more snow to come and Metro operating at reduced capacity, the Councilmember strongly urges Mayor Fenty to reconsider any attempts to open the government before giving residents adequate time to dig themselves and their neighbors out from this historic snow event.
I would like to commend you Mr. Brown for sending Fenty a comprehensive analysis of the Blizzard of 2010. The fact that Fenty has decided to open government and schools, clearly proves he is unfit to serve as Mayor. This was not a decision from someone who is compassionate about the health, safety and well-being of residents. Individuals who work in the city also have children who go to school in the city. To make a decision as such without any concern for others will be the major consideration that I take with me to the polls in November as I help someone else to be elected as mayor.
Today I tried to dig my car out to prepare for the work week but I have been unsuccessful. As of 7:29pm my street has yet to be shelved. There is also no place to put the snow once we begin to dig out. I urge council to pressure the mayor to close schools and government. It has become very uncomfortable to live in a city where the mayor does not care about the safety of residents.