Critics Assail Bridgeport Mayor Bill Finch For Inadequate Snow Response
HARTFORD, Conn. (CBSNewYork) - Bridgeport Mayor Bill Finch was warned of the intense snowstorm on the way last weekend, but his critics argue he didn't act quickly enough to order emergency plans for the city.
Residents and businesspeople in Connecticut's largest city found themselves snowed in after the storm dumped 30 inches on the city.
And as 1010 WINS' Al Jones reported Tuesday, Miguel Martinez waited six days to see a plow on Orchard Street.
"What I think is the mayor is not doing his job, or the city, whatever. They're supposed to be on top of this. Everybody pays taxes, you know?" he said.
For Tiffany Santos, the complaint is not about the streets – she doesn't drive – but about sidewalks that still are not clear.
"With me, in the case where I have a baby, they should plow the sidewalk or make a little area for people to walk, at least, you know?" she said.
Nearby, in the city of Stamford, Mayor Mike Pavia set his city's emergency plan in place 24 hours ahead of the snow while Finch was then announcing he was expecting rain.
Critics Assail Bridgeport Mayor Bill Finch For Inadequate Snow Response
The official forecast for the area called for snow, changing to afternoon rain, and then a heavy snow overnight into Saturday, Feb. 9.
The resulting historic snowfall left some drivers stranded when their cars were unable to navigate unplowed streets.
Part of the complaint stems from the lack of response, but part of it is political, with the runner-up in the last mayoral election calling on Finch to resign.
Finch did not respond to WCBS 880 Connecticut Bureau Chief Fran Schneidau's request for comment.
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