Single mom of two toddlers who lives in in Randolph Hills needs to shovel her own sidewalk.

Retired, elderly woman aging in place in Chevy Chase View needs to shovel own sidewalk.

Young 30-something childless couple who live in Aspen Hill don’t need to shovel own sidewalk because they are “vulnerable”.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Can somebody explain to me why the county will be clearing snow from low income and minority areas? Why this group and the other group? They cite high traffic and accidents but it feels more like they don’t think we are capable of understanding or following laws so they’re just going to lower the bar for us (I’m Latina).

This bothers me because special exemption bills and laws like this end up creating resentment towards all of our groups.

Racial equity is about providing access. There are already multiple barriers than impede wealth creation and challenging commutes is one of them. It's not about individual people of color, but the fact that when looked at by group demographic data, AA and Latino/a residents have worse outcomes in every measure -- wealth, income, education, health care, housing, etc.

I've always been white but I have lived in very low income areas and now in upper middle class areas. The ability to access EVERYTHING is so much easier now. They are like two different worlds. MoCo is already much better at providing access to many services, including public transportation. This would make it a little easier. The cost benefit analysis is up for debate, for sure. But this is one of their equity approaches that I actually agree with in theory.

I’m op . I appreciate your thoughtful response. I didn’t think I had to disclose this in my question but I am a Hispanic/Latina woman. My family lives in the county and does your landscaping, carpentry work, painting and childcare. I am not a troll and unlike the other person, I don’t want more pedestrian fatalities. But I do not like that the county thinks that low income/minority people aren’t capable of following the same rules. This might sound strange to some of you but I actually find it offensive that the bar is lowered. What I see happening is this will create resentment for us. Because if it’s a question about ability, there are many people in the entire county who are unable to shovel their own sidewalks so why don’t they get the benefit? Somebody upthread said they were single mother or elderly.

There are many great programs that do help with equity, this one just has me scratching my head a little bit.

Low income areas often have more families with young children, more elderly people, and more people with disabilities than wealthier neighborhoods. And, of course, many, if not most people in wealthier neighborhoods are paying for snow removal, so that they don’t have to risk leaving their kids, or risking their health to clear the snow themselves. OP, I’m curious. How many sidewalks have you cleared yourself? How many elderly people or handicapped people have you shoveled sidewalks for? Are you scratching your head and creating reasons to feel offended while other people are doing the work ?

Maybe this will help: Some of us recognize that we’re part of a community. I’m fine with being a part of a community that values pedestrian safety.

If you’re not a troll, then you should recognize that you’re one of many people who post with curious questions posed just like Tucker Carlson’s. You’ve got lots of company in your bewilderment and head scratching, and your insistence on “rules” even when the rules may not make nearly as much sense as more effective and more efficient alternatives.

Here’s some reading for you.


https://wtop.com/health-fitness/2022/01/strenuous-snow-shoveling-can-be-bad-for-your-heart-when-to-call-911/

I’ll bite. Since you’re asking I always shovel and clear my driveway and sidewalk and driveways and sidewalks of two different elderly neighbors. And before you ask, I also mow their lawns in the summertime as well.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Can somebody explain to me why the county will be clearing snow from low income and minority areas? Why this group and the other group? They cite high traffic and accidents but it feels more like they don’t think we are capable of understanding or following laws so they’re just going to lower the bar for us (I’m Latina).

This bothers me because special exemption bills and laws like this end up creating resentment towards all of our groups.

Racial equity is about providing access. There are already multiple barriers than impede wealth creation and challenging commutes is one of them. It's not about individual people of color, but the fact that when looked at by group demographic data, AA and Latino/a residents have worse outcomes in every measure -- wealth, income, education, health care, housing, etc.

I've always been white but I have lived in very low income areas and now in upper middle class areas. The ability to access EVERYTHING is so much easier now. They are like two different worlds. MoCo is already much better at providing access to many services, including public transportation. This would make it a little easier. The cost benefit analysis is up for debate, for sure. But this is one of their equity approaches that I actually agree with in theory.

I’m op . I appreciate your thoughtful response. I didn’t think I had to disclose this in my question but I am a Hispanic/Latina woman. My family lives in the county and does your landscaping, carpentry work, painting and childcare. I am not a troll and unlike the other person, I don’t want more pedestrian fatalities. But I do not like that the county thinks that low income/minority people aren’t capable of following the same rules. This might sound strange to some of you but I actually find it offensive that the bar is lowered. What I see happening is this will create resentment for us. Because if it’s a question about ability, there are many people in the entire county who are unable to shovel their own sidewalks so why don’t they get the benefit? Somebody upthread said they were single mother or elderly.

There are many great programs that do help with equity, this one just has me scratching my head a little bit.

Low income areas often have more families with young children, more elderly people, and more people with disabilities than wealthier neighborhoods. And, of course, many, if not most people in wealthier neighborhoods are paying for snow removal, so that they don’t have to risk leaving their kids, or risking their health to clear the snow themselves. OP, I’m curious. How many sidewalks have you cleared yourself? How many elderly people or handicapped people have you shoveled sidewalks for? Are you scratching your head and creating reasons to feel offended while other people are doing the work ?

Maybe this will help: Some of us recognize that we’re part of a community. I’m fine with being a part of a community that values pedestrian safety.

If you’re not a troll, then you should recognize that you’re one of many people who post with curious questions posed just like Tucker Carlson’s. You’ve got lots of company in your bewilderment and head scratching, and your insistence on “rules” even when the rules may not make nearly as much sense as more effective and more efficient alternatives.

Here’s some reading for you.


https://wtop.com/health-fitness/2022/01/strenuous-snow-shoveling-can-be-bad-for-your-heart-when-to-call-911/

I live in Somerset and the town clears our sidewalks for us. Many of the low income areas are in unincorporated sections of Montgomery County where there is no smaller local government like a town or a village. Are you sure that it isn’t the usual practice for the county to do this in pedestrian-heavy parts of the unincorporated areas of the county?

Anonymous wrote:Because the low income areas are where they people live who makes this country go. The bus drivers, restaurant workers, delivery drivers, grocery store workers, daycare workers, hospital aids.

Right here.

And safety is more important than receiving money from the fines. Also, the optics of handing out fines to poor people is not good for any city/town.

As for "not capable" no, I believe those in low COL areas are fully capable of cleaning the snow themselves... If they have the tools to do so, tools which cost money. Most living paycheck-to-paycheck are not going to pay $20 for a shovel that is used a few times a year when that $20 could cover so many other expenses.

I think this makes a lot of sense. If the County is responsible for clearing the roads for cars, why wouldn’t the County also be responsible for sidewalks and ensuring safe access to public transportation? This makes a lot more sense to me vs having individuals responsible for small patches of sidewalk. My tax dollars get spent on multiple services that I don’t personally benefit from. As a frequent pedestrian, this makes sense. In the past, corners and bus stops get blocked not just by the snow, but by piles left by the snow plow. A few workers with small plows for the sidewalks is an efficient way to handle a concern that really only comes up a few times a year, but that can be very onerous for many — including the increase in cardiac events that we hear about when people, anxious about the requirements, push themselves to meet the guidelines.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Can somebody explain to me why the county will be clearing snow from low income and minority areas? Why this group and the other group? They cite high traffic and accidents but it feels more like they don’t think we are capable of understanding or following laws so they’re just going to lower the bar for us (I’m Latina).

This bothers me because special exemption bills and laws like this end up creating resentment towards all of our groups.

Racial equity is about providing access. There are already multiple barriers than impede wealth creation and challenging commutes is one of them. It's not about individual people of color, but the fact that when looked at by group demographic data, AA and Latino/a residents have worse outcomes in every measure -- wealth, income, education, health care, housing, etc.

I've always been white but I have lived in very low income areas and now in upper middle class areas. The ability to access EVERYTHING is so much easier now. They are like two different worlds. MoCo is already much better at providing access to many services, including public transportation. This would make it a little easier. The cost benefit analysis is up for debate, for sure. But this is one of their equity approaches that I actually agree with in theory.

I’m op . I appreciate your thoughtful response. I didn’t think I had to disclose this in my question but I am a Hispanic/Latina woman. My family lives in the county and does your landscaping, carpentry work, painting and childcare. I am not a troll and unlike the other person, I don’t want more pedestrian fatalities. But I do not like that the county thinks that low income/minority people aren’t capable of following the same rules. This might sound strange to some of you but I actually find it offensive that the bar is lowered. What I see happening is this will create resentment for us. Because if it’s a question about ability, there are many people in the entire county who are unable to shovel their own sidewalks so why don’t they get the benefit? Somebody upthread said they were single mother or elderly.

There are many great programs that do help with equity, this one just has me scratching my head a little bit.

Then you're not very intelligent. To use misplaced pride and fear of being resented by other communities as a reason to put even more barriers to success (and literally, refuse to save lives) for certain low-income communities is... stupid. Sorry to be blunt, but your stance is mind-bogglingly irrational. This is simply the county deciding to address a serious issue (DEATHS of pedestrians) in the most rapid and efficient manner. Surely you can see that waiting for individuals to clear snow would not be that productive. This is not a cosmetic problem. It's a life and death issue.

Do you also use the concept of individual freedom to argue against vaccinations and mask mandates?

So you are in favor of treating minorities and the poor as helpless characters in need of constant assistance?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Can somebody explain to me why the county will be clearing snow from low income and minority areas? Why this group and the other group? They cite high traffic and accidents but it feels more like they don’t think we are capable of understanding or following laws so they’re just going to lower the bar for us (I’m Latina).

This bothers me because special exemption bills and laws like this end up creating resentment towards all of our groups.

https://bethesdamagazine.com/bethesda-beat/government/county-will-be-required-to-clear-snow-from-up-to-40-miles-of-sidewalks/?fbclid=IwAR2FbfodmMH-KNxI0cI-awH1Sag0tpU8G21IKYnoPMNBPibB7iqBHNf_Y-0

The link to the story.

The article states that there are many more pedestrian fatalities in those areas and they want to try to keep it safe.

None of the pedestrian deaths are linked to snow. Not one.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Can somebody explain to me why the county will be clearing snow from low income and minority areas? Why this group and the other group? They cite high traffic and accidents but it feels more like they don’t think we are capable of understanding or following laws so they’re just going to lower the bar for us (I’m Latina).

This bothers me because special exemption bills and laws like this end up creating resentment towards all of our groups.

Racial equity is about providing access. There are already multiple barriers than impede wealth creation and challenging commutes is one of them. It's not about individual people of color, but the fact that when looked at by group demographic data, AA and Latino/a residents have worse outcomes in every measure -- wealth, income, education, health care, housing, etc.

I've always been white but I have lived in very low income areas and now in upper middle class areas. The ability to access EVERYTHING is so much easier now. They are like two different worlds. MoCo is already much better at providing access to many services, including public transportation. This would make it a little easier. The cost benefit analysis is up for debate, for sure. But this is one of their equity approaches that I actually agree with in theory.

I’m op . I appreciate your thoughtful response. I didn’t think I had to disclose this in my question but I am a Hispanic/Latina woman. My family lives in the county and does your landscaping, carpentry work, painting and childcare. I am not a troll and unlike the other person, I don’t want more pedestrian fatalities. But I do not like that the county thinks that low income/minority people aren’t capable of following the same rules. This might sound strange to some of you but I actually find it offensive that the bar is lowered. What I see happening is this will create resentment for us. Because if it’s a question about ability, there are many people in the entire county who are unable to shovel their own sidewalks so why don’t they get the benefit? Somebody upthread said they were single mother or elderly.

There are many great programs that do help with equity, this one just has me scratching my head a little bit.

Then you're not very intelligent. To use misplaced pride and fear of being resented by other communities as a reason to put even more barriers to success (and literally, refuse to save lives) for certain low-income communities is... stupid. Sorry to be blunt, but your stance is mind-bogglingly irrational. This is simply the county deciding to address a serious issue (DEATHS of pedestrians) in the most rapid and efficient manner. Surely you can see that waiting for individuals to clear snow would not be that productive. This is not a cosmetic problem. It's a life and death issue.

Do you also use the concept of individual freedom to argue against vaccinations and mask mandates?

Ok, thanks for calling my stupid. You just proved at how we are seen in the county. DCUM is eye opening, or maybe validating of what I thought. What I bolded is true-so why not extend county clearing to the rest of the county?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Can somebody explain to me why the county will be clearing snow from low income and minority areas? Why this group and the other group? They cite high traffic and accidents but it feels more like they don’t think we are capable of understanding or following laws so they’re just going to lower the bar for us (I’m Latina).

This bothers me because special exemption bills and laws like this end up creating resentment towards all of our groups.

Racial equity is about providing access. There are already multiple barriers than impede wealth creation and challenging commutes is one of them. It's not about individual people of color, but the fact that when looked at by group demographic data, AA and Latino/a residents have worse outcomes in every measure -- wealth, income, education, health care, housing, etc.

I've always been white but I have lived in very low income areas and now in upper middle class areas. The ability to access EVERYTHING is so much easier now. They are like two different worlds. MoCo is already much better at providing access to many services, including public transportation. This would make it a little easier. The cost benefit analysis is up for debate, for sure. But this is one of their equity approaches that I actually agree with in theory.

I’m op . I appreciate your thoughtful response. I didn’t think I had to disclose this in my question but I am a Hispanic/Latina woman. My family lives in the county and does your landscaping, carpentry work, painting and childcare. I am not a troll and unlike the other person, I don’t want more pedestrian fatalities. But I do not like that the county thinks that low income/minority people aren’t capable of following the same rules. This might sound strange to some of you but I actually find it offensive that the bar is lowered. What I see happening is this will create resentment for us. Because if it’s a question about ability, there are many people in the entire county who are unable to shovel their own sidewalks so why don’t they get the benefit? Somebody upthread said they were single mother or elderly.

There are many great programs that do help with equity, this one just has me scratching my head a little bit.

Then you're not very intelligent. To use misplaced pride and fear of being resented by other communities as a reason to put even more barriers to success (and literally, refuse to save lives) for certain low-income communities is... stupid. Sorry to be blunt, but your stance is mind-bogglingly irrational. This is simply the county deciding to address a serious issue (DEATHS of pedestrians) in the most rapid and efficient manner. Surely you can see that waiting for individuals to clear snow would not be that productive. This is not a cosmetic problem. It's a life and death issue.

Do you also use the concept of individual freedom to argue against vaccinations and mask mandates?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Can somebody explain to me why the county will be clearing snow from low income and minority areas? Why this group and the other group? They cite high traffic and accidents but it feels more like they don’t think we are capable of understanding or following laws so they’re just going to lower the bar for us (I’m Latina).

This bothers me because special exemption bills and laws like this end up creating resentment towards all of our groups.

Racial equity is about providing access. There are already multiple barriers than impede wealth creation and challenging commutes is one of them. It's not about individual people of color, but the fact that when looked at by group demographic data, AA and Latino/a residents have worse outcomes in every measure -- wealth, income, education, health care, housing, etc.

I've always been white but I have lived in very low income areas and now in upper middle class areas. The ability to access EVERYTHING is so much easier now. They are like two different worlds. MoCo is already much better at providing access to many services, including public transportation. This would make it a little easier. The cost benefit analysis is up for debate, for sure. But this is one of their equity approaches that I actually agree with in theory.

I’m op . I appreciate your thoughtful response. I didn’t think I had to disclose this in my question but I am a Hispanic/Latina woman. My family lives in the county and does your landscaping, carpentry work, painting and childcare. I am not a troll and unlike the other person, I don’t want more pedestrian fatalities. But I do not like that the county thinks that low income/minority people aren’t capable of following the same rules. This might sound strange to some of you but I actually find it offensive that the bar is lowered. What I see happening is this will create resentment for us. Because if it’s a question about ability, there are many people in the entire county who are unable to shovel their own sidewalks so why don’t they get the benefit? Somebody upthread said they were single mother or elderly.

There are many great programs that do help with equity, this one just has me scratching my head a little bit.

Anonymous wrote:
What a weird troll OP is. They actually want more pedestrian fatalities. Wow.

Yep, caught me on that one! That’s exactly what I want! You are brilliant!

What a weird troll OP is. They actually want more pedestrian fatalities. Wow.

Anonymous wrote:Can somebody explain to me why the county will be clearing snow from low income and minority areas? Why this group and the other group? They cite high traffic and accidents but it feels more like they don’t think we are capable of understanding or following laws so they’re just going to lower the bar for us (I’m Latina).

This bothers me because special exemption bills and laws like this end up creating resentment towards all of our groups.

Racial equity is about providing access. There are already multiple barriers than impede wealth creation and challenging commutes is one of them. It's not about individual people of color, but the fact that when looked at by group demographic data, AA and Latino/a residents have worse outcomes in every measure -- wealth, income, education, health care, housing, etc.

I've always been white but I have lived in very low income areas and now in upper middle class areas. The ability to access EVERYTHING is so much easier now. They are like two different worlds. MoCo is already much better at providing access to many services, including public transportation. This would make it a little easier. The cost benefit analysis is up for debate, for sure. But this is one of their equity approaches that I actually agree with in theory.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Can somebody explain to me why the county will be clearing snow from low income and minority areas? Why this group and the other group? They cite high traffic and accidents but it feels more like they don’t think we are capable of understanding or following laws so they’re just going to lower the bar for us (I’m Latina).

This bothers me because special exemption bills and laws like this end up creating resentment towards all of our groups.

https://bethesdamagazine.com/bethesda-beat/government/county-will-be-required-to-clear-snow-from-up-to-40-miles-of-sidewalks/?fbclid=IwAR2FbfodmMH-KNxI0cI-awH1Sag0tpU8G21IKYnoPMNBPibB7iqBHNf_Y-0

The link to the story.

The article states that there are many more pedestrian fatalities in those areas and they want to try to keep it safe.

Then maybe Council shouldn't have cut traffic enforcement positions out of the police budget last year.