It’s that time of year again.
That point in time where all Chicagoans seem to forget that it snows in the city and that they have to shovel, that our city’s plowing services are slow and generally kind of stink.
For some reason, the Chicago Tribune ran a story about how people are complaining about how their side streets haven’t been plowed, this right next to a story about how Mayor Emanuel is trying to get as many plows out there because it’s an election year.
I’m sorry, I’m sure that there really are people who are suffering because their side streets aren’t done.
But for the love of God, can we stop pretending like this doesn’t happen every year?
Honestly, I have a lot of respect for Chicago’s media.
But, when a third of the news every night is dedicated to snow and cold maybe it’s time to change the tune.
We get it. It’s going to snow.
Say it once at the top of the news hour and then remind us again when it’s actually time for the weather report.
I guess that’s sort of the quagmire of Chicago at this point in the year.
Everyone constantly complains about the plow service, politicians promise to fix it, nothing happens and then the cycle repeats for years on end.
At this point in time, who do you blame?
I’m getting sick of all the complaints and the whining, but plow services in Chicago neighborhoods shouldn’t be as miserable as it is.
You can complain to the news, sure. You can write letters to the editor or call into your favorite talk radio show and explain just how darned frustrated you are.
Or maybe you could do something really constructive. Get out there and vote. I don’t mean just for mayor either. (NOTE: I know that I’ve been speaking about Chicago, but I mean that about any
mayor of any local suburb or township.)
If you aren’t satisfied with the plow service or other municipal services, vote
out your alderman too.
So many changes could be made if
those who don’t vote just get out and do it. You have to make a statement to the right people. Simply making a statement is
not enough.
If you’re going to complain you’ve got
to do it right.
Being agitated simply isn’t enough.
If your tired of having to worry about slipping and sliding all over the pavement and getting your car stuck, then you have to be more proactive.
Your vote matters and this is no small matter to get upset about and clearly, many people are upset about it.
So, voice your concerns out-loud. Make your calls to the ward office and file your claims with the city.
If nothing happens then you know what politicians care about.
HINT: It isn’t your concerns.
Brian Laughran
Editor-in-Chief