Finally, Common Sense on the Snow Problem.
Local governments -- particularly plow crews -- cannot deal with snow effectively. Weatherpersons "predict" snow, but don't do anything about it. With the DC area yet again buried in nearly two feet, essential federal services have been shut down. Many government workers are being encouraged to take leave days after the initial powder dump.
Snow is costly for taxpayers, as well. It's expensive to clear. Salting roads even in a southern state like North Carolina requires 29,000 tons of sodium chloride costing some $2.5 million. And then there are the trucks and plows and workers on extended overtime -- all of which gobble up taxpayer dollars and break strained budgets.
But the costs of snow removal are insignificant compared to the billions of dollars lost through decreased economic productivity.
