My Open Letter to Mayor Fenty
Dear Mayor Fenty,
As a DC resident, I feel that it is absolutely necessary to voice my concerns about the lack of attention (in my opinion) that was given to the snow accumulation on January 30, 2010. I was absolutely appalled by the conditions of the roads on Saturday afternoon (not morning). The winter weather that we received was not enough to send DC residents into a frenzy (we’ve seen worst). However, it did seem like the ball was dropped. At around 2pm I set out on a journey from SE, DC to NE, DC. To be more exact Alabama Ave., SE to Sargent Road, NE. The first sign of trouble came when I entered Suitland Parkway, only to slip and slide on the roads (thank the Lord no cars were around). Traffic in the opposite direction was at a stand still due to an accident. There were numerous cars stranded and disabled along the roadway. I made the assumption that the streets closer in and main arteries would be cleared, so I kept on toward my destination. As I entered 295 heading north my assumption was wrong. The highway was not cleared and there was an accident blocking the right lane to take the ramp to 395. Still I trekked on through the snow and slush. I had to make a stop on 8th St. SE where the roads were slightly cleared. I could see signs that a truck had been through the area, but on the opposite side of the road. SMH!!
Now some would say that I’m overreacting. If that is the case, then let’s just say that the snow plows and salt trucks did their jobs today, but Mother Nature worked against their efforts. Now I would be able to agree if I did not see about 5 trucks (plows and salt trucks) ride by me doing absolutely nothing. If my memory serves me right I saw no evidence of pre-treated streets the night before the snow fell. So who I should blame for the conditions of the streets? Was there no plan of action set in place? Maybe there wasn’t a plan because Tony Perkins and Sue Palka (weather people) stated that it would be a light dusting, but chances we could have some accumulation. There should have been a plan given the fact that we don’t listen/trust the weather people considering that they have been proven wrong countless times before. As late as 10pm last night Sue Palka said we would get 1-3inches unless the SNOW BAND moved up! (I guess the snow band moved up and gave us about 4inches instead). The fact of the matter is that people still have to report to jobs as scheduled. Some people do not have the liberty to call out or leave work if there is no coverage. Why does there commute have to be difficult? To make a long story short, the last straw was drawn today. Now I am not one to complain, however when I feel strongly about a subject I will express my opinion and views. I feel that a piss poor job was done concerning the plan of action put into place for the snow. Mr. Mayor maybe the snow was the least of your concerns being that your only concern is diversifying the city. You are too busy moving the lower class out and rebuilding condos that no one can afford. Gentrification at its best, while alienating life long residents. Well with all that work who has time to create a line of communication between your office and the Department of Public Works and/or Transportation (or whoever the hell is responsible for taking care of the streets in this weather).
Mayor Fenty under your leadership we have seen some good times and some bad. In my case the bad does outweigh the good. So just know I will not be voting to re-elect you (not that I voted for you in the first place). When Christmas comes back around I look forward to receiving a Christmas card from our NEW Mayor and his/her family. So long ticket stealing, egotistical, and self centered Mayor! Some thought Barry was bad (minus the crack), but in my book you take the cake.
Signed,
A Washingtonian that wants to be Fenty Free
P.S. Let’s see how long it takes to fill these POT HOLES…