Boston Herald: The Southie 76-year-old cited for failing to shovel her walk said she’s received a huge outpouring of support in her attempt to appeal the $200 fine — and one person even offered to pay the ticket if city officials fail to answer her pleas.
“Isn’t that amazing? But I wouldn’t do that,” Lorraine Walsh said of the offer to pick up the tab. “I’m amazed how many people are rooting for me. In other words, they’re telling me they’re all for speaking out.”
The Herald reported yesterday that Walsh, a lifelong South Boston resident, was one of 500 people hit with citations for failing to shovel their sidewalks over the past week. more here
This from the “Big Dig” municipality.
“…one person even offered to pay the ticket…”
Why didn’t one person offer to shovel her walk?
Some many volunteers to pay the fine(s), so few to finance the primary elections to fix the problem.
“Thank you ma’ams! May I have a few more?!
(And, please, take my wallet.)”
It’s Baaston, home of Michel Bloomberg, the Kennedy clan, Baabaa Waawaa, Robert Lowell, Uma Thurman, Jane Alexander, Bobby Brown, John Connolly, James Taylor, Whitey Bulger, what did you expect different?
That’s the democrats for ya. Always looking after the little guy.
She could preheat a baby in a locked car and toss it in the snow for a quick melt if she were from Saudi Arabia and get away with it.
Her son runs an insurance business out of their home.
If she is responsible for shoveling the walks, and he’s disabled, then somebody should step up and help an old lady out.
If the Son is able bodied, then this story should be about why nobody has whacked the boy with a shovel and made him go shovel snow.
There is actually an exemption for the elderly and or disabled in place in Boston.
@Poor Lazlo: It’s her brother, not son, “And because her brother John operates…”
So he’s either a little older or younger than his sis.
Who actually OWNS the sidewalk? The woman or the city. If the city owns it is their responsibility to maintain it. If SHE owns it then she should be able to jackhammer the thing up and plant some flowers.
I salt and shovel my 80 year old neighbor’s sidewalk, even cut his grass.
Without anyone asking.
It’s just what you do.
Dust Bunny Queen — agree wholeheartedly! It is the city’s sidewalk. Let city workers shovel it.
In my town, there is no ordinance requiring residents to shovel their walks. However, if you shovel your walks but don’t do a good job, and someone slips and falls, you can be sued. But if you don’t shovel your walks at all, then you are in the clear. Does that make sense? No, of course not. This is city government!
How is it residents are responsible for a public right of way?
Should the city be forced to compensate people for cleaning city sidewalks?
The same cities who think it’s okay for illegal aliens to run amok in clear violation of Federal law, will fine a 76-year old woman $200 for not shoveling her sidewalk!!!
So, would they fine an illegal? Or do they get free, city-funded snow removal?
Only Democrats!!!!
This is why no one thinking about the consequences buys a north facing home in snowy climates. Almost every city/town where it snows has this build into their code.
will the City Council members get fined for not shoveling up all their fucking bullshit?
Ayn Rand really got it right in Atlas Shrugged. Every branch of Gummint deliberately cooks up various laws, regulations and ordinances that force common everyday citizens to be in violation of their bullshit nitpicking laws, thus keeping the common man under their fascist thumbs. THEY DESIGNED IT THIS WAY.
Hah, I laugh at your city ordinances, nothing is more fascist than an HOA.
Anonymous–not. I live in a city where it snows a lot. And private citizens are not required to maintain city property.
Mr. Anth Ropy has it right. When I lived in NY we had an elderly couple who lived next door. Whenever I shoveled the sidewalk in front of my house, I just kept right on going and did their property, too. Did that for the whole 10 years I lived there. They were wonderful neighbors and like grandparents to my kids. It was a pleasure to shovel for them.