Weathering the storms

Pittsbutgh Post-Gazette: City snow removal has become the subject of public angst once again, with motorists and others telling Mayor Bill Peduto that crews needed to do a better job during recent storms. To his credit, Mr. Peduto has recognized the need for improvement and promised to follow through,

It would have been better if Mr. Peduto had implemented the changes during his first term. The complaints underscore the city’s need to focus on basic services even as officials pursue lofty goals related to environmental improvement, healthy living and economic transformation.

One hopes that the public never will experience a repeat of the 2010 blizzard that paralyzed the city and prevented an ambulance from reaching the home of a man who died. Afterward, the city made various changes to its snow removal policy, including creation of timetables for clearing streets and sidewalks based on snow accumulations. There also were changes in public-safety response procedures to make sure people needing help in weather emergencies had better odds of getting it.

Now, amid complaints that some snow-covered streets went untouched or were insufficiently cleared during recent storms, another comprehensive series of improvements is coming.