Towns must buy salt for road safety

While some communities are enacting laws to require homeowners to shovel their sidewalks (good idea), roads remain icy and dangerous.

As suburban commuters struggled through snow-filled streets from work on Lincoln's birthday, it became apparent that the suburban municipal leaders are not keeping up with their snow removal efforts, even though the snowfall was forecast several days earlier.

I can't imagine it is due to lack of snow removal practice -- but to lack of salt supplies.

How can the municipal leaders justify ticketing a homeowner for not shoveling their sidewalks when our school children are slipping as they cross the street on the way to school or as they exit the school bus?

Do the suburbs believe they can ride out the rest of winter without replenishing their salt reserves? I think not.

It is irresponsible and unconscionable for our elected officials to think they can ride it out. They are jeopardizing the safety of their respective communities for the sake of the budget. Safety is paramount here.

Sean Herling

Mount Prospect