LETTER City streets ‘in crisis’

The other day, I noticed a Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission truck passing through my neighborhood and wondered if they were going to stock trout in the potholes in our street and alley. The city of Washington is in crisis as far as its streets and alleys are concerned.
Let’s stop whining about a lack of funding. Disband the city street department and put street repair, paving and snow removal out for bidding. We need to investigate the way repairs are being handled. Are we using the best standards and practices? Are we buying the best materials? To save money long-term, why isn’t the city using tar and chip on alleys? This is a quick and easy way to maintain secondary roads.
As for labor, if a five-man crew is dispatched to work, all five should work; one should not stand around to supervise. Maybe we should use smaller crews with a roving supervisor.
Need money? Sell off some city-owned property or float a bond issue, if proper. Form a long- and shot-term strategic business plan.
Oh, and one more thing. Don’t expect the taxpayers to foot the bill. We don’t get what we pay for now.
George Prevuznik
Washington