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REPRINTED FROM THENEXTMAYOR.COMMarch 21, 2007 press release, (submitted via e-mail) |
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Ted Mucellin
610-730-8622 (Cell)
215-843-0917 (Office)
Ted@McClureforCouncil.com
Campbell Strikes Out On Snow Removal: Three Storms and Three Failures to Have the 4th District’s Streets Plowed and Made Safe
Matt McClure, 4th District Council candidate, today denounced Councilwoman Carol Campbell’s inability to protect her constituents in times of emergency.
Over the past month Philadelphia has been hit by three major storms which have poured snow, freezing rain, sleet and hail on the city. As with all city services, District City Councilpersons have direct influence over the execution of snow removal and salting.
After each of the three storms, most of the major arterial roads in the 4th Councilmanic District were left snow covered and treacherous - to say nothing of the many side streets and residential roads. Critical thoroughfares throughout the District, including Montgomery, Lancaster, Haverford, Belmont, Ridge, Henry, and Midvale Avenues, all still have more snow than asphalt showing.
Having seen Campbell’s inaction during the last two storms, McClure was immediately concerned Friday when he first heard reports of foul weather. His fears were realized when he saw cars and pedestrians skidding and slipping all over Midvale Avenue on their way to Sunday mass, thirty-six hours after the storm had begun. McClure canvassed several district neighborhoods on Saturday and Sunday, where more often than not he saw private citizens plowing their neighbors’ streets.
The danger to motorists and pedestrians in the District has been so great it was even the focus of TV News coverage. Click here to watch ABC News video of an accident caused by ice that was never removed or salted; http://abclocal.go.com/wpvi/story?section=local&id=5132451
McClure said, “This is what being a Councilperson is about –making sure the people you represent get the city services they need and deserve. The people of the 4th District deserve safe streets. Why is Ms. Campbell running for office if she cannot even get something as basic as snow removal right on the third try? I’m fighting to raise our expectations of our city government, and it seems that Ms. Campbell is convinced she must instead lower them.”
When elected, McClure will fight for implementation of Baltimore’s successful Citistat program combined with a 311 non-emergency number, to hold elected officials accountable for providing effective city services in such future situations.
McClure lives with his wife and two sons in East Falls.