OPINION: ‘Acceptance creep’ drives snow removal failures

In the back half of this winter, we continue to get the snowfalls we knew were coming; these on top of the 3 feet so mismanaged back in late November and early December. Too many of us are still buckin’ and snortin’ driving in and out of our neighborhoods. The municipality continues to lead from behind on snow removal this winter. The State of Alaska shares in the shortcomings to a lesser extent, as does the municipal Assembly. Budget writers and decision-makers are due all the fair criticism that has come their way. Only the equipment operators deserve praise for dealing with a mess far beyond their control.

Every mayoral administration in recent memory has had to contend with a major snow storm or two. I cannot recall such mishandling as the residents of Anchorage have put up with in the past few months. Wishful budgeting, cheap, uninspired budget cuts, messing with the 72-hour plow-out plan, and a lack of preparedness regarding parts and operators are unacceptable. Call it “acceptance creep,” as we have accepted less and less quality of service from municipal leaders who are paid to at least moderate winter storm conditions. Major storms amplify the shortcomings. Those in the current administration who share responsibility continue to step on the garden rake of self-satisfaction in the job they are doing, all while the public labors to get around town.

The biggest retail shopping period of the year, Thanksgiving through Christmas, was greatly impacted by unplowed roadways. That is a time of the year when many small businesses make or break their annual budgets for revenue. The MOA and state did them no favors being so ill-prepared to keep shoppers circulating. There should have been a strengthened plan in place, knowing the demands of this critical retail season. For a period like this, a little over-planning would not have been a sin. Any savings of snow removal funds from the holiday season could be held for another storm.

As of this writing, those who use People Mover may still be found standing on snow berms while waiting for their buses. Yes, some bus stops are plowed out, but many are not. There are still too many pinched curb lanes and blind corners, which impede traffic flow and aggravate drivers. Increased fender-benders only serve to increase vehicle insurance rates next year. Title 24, the regulatory guideline for snow removal operations, used to mandate a 40-inch snow pile height at intersections so that drivers could see oncoming traffic. Now, in most cases, one has to nudge forward blindly to be able to see oncoming vehicles.

The January issue of the Municipal Assembly Newsletter boasted of hauling a half-million cubic yards of snow as of Jan. 5. Compared to what? It should have reported what percentage of the estimated snow volume has been removed. Regarding a basic, non-political municipal service, let’s give snow removal the priority it needs, and pay for it.

I don’t believe Anchorage residents expect perfection in snow removal operations. However, I do believe they expect and deserve adequate funding, staffing and logistical support for snow conditions which, when suffering inadequate planning, cause too many ancillary problems for area families and businesses. Perhaps current municipal leadership might contact former mayor Rick Mystrom, under whose administration the streets of Anchorage were well maintained, regardless of weather, fiscal straits or other challenging conditions.

Tim Benintendi is a 39-year resident of Anchorage.

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