© 2010 – Report
Snowfall from this past weekend's "Snowmageddon" has affected everything from travel to commerce in Maryland. And of course, the snow has impacted the political climate in Baltimore and Maryland.
Here is a summary snow-related political news from Maryland:
In Baltimore, Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake (D) said that over 75 percent of secondary roads have had at least one pass with a snow plow and around 40 percent of roads have had several passes. She has asked for city residents’ patience as snow removal commences. Much of the snow downtown has been dumped into the harbor.
The mayor stated that many city employees are working overtime and around-the-clock to clear the snow from roads and sidewalks. Aside from plowing and shoveling, workers have also removed over 100 fallen trees that were blocking city roadways. “We have some equipment coming in from out of the state to try to help in the effort -- we're doing everything we can,” the mayor said. Many Baltimoreans have relied on private contractors to clear away the snow.
Garages in the city have extended free parking until further notice to keep roadways free so crews can plow them.
Around 50 pre-release inmates have helped remove snow throughout the city according to Maryland corrections officials. The inmates have cleared many bus stops downtown and along North Avenue/Northern Parkway.
Luke Clippinger, Democratic candidate for a House of Delegates seat from the city, commenced a “shovelraiser” this past weekend to raise money for his campaign. He pledged to shovel a cubic foot of snow for every dollar donated.
Due to a misuse of 911 emergency services, Baltimore County officials have opened a non-emergency phone line related to this weekend’s snow storm: 410-887-5454. The Department of Public Works also has a snow information phone line: 410-887-3560.
In Anne Arundel County, Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport is almost back to a normal schedule after closing Friday afternoon. AirTran Airways and Southwest Airlines had to cancel several flights Monday.
In Annapolis, the General Assembly was not in session Monday but will return to work Tuesday. Monday’s City Council meeting was also postponed by Mayor Joshua Cohen (D) due to the weather. To assist snow removal, free parking in city garages will continue until further notice.
In Charles County, inmates from the Southern Maryland Pre-release Unit have assisted county crews in snow removal along highways.
In some areas statewide, the U.S. Postal Service resumed mail delivery Monday. Also statewide, no weather-related fatalities have been reported on the state’s roads. "Drivers have been patient. They have been careful," said state Transportation Secretary Beverly Swaim-Staley.
The Baltimore area is expecting more snowfall Tuesday and Wednesday – anywhere from a foot to two feet of snow.
(Videos detailing the snowstorm’s impact on Marylanders.)
For more information: See the slideshow below.
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