Filling the Holes

For John, BLUF:  Cooperation makes things go more smoothly.  Nothing to see here; just move along.

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In response to a discussion at dinner one evening, a week ago, I called the Commissioner of Public Works♠ here in Lowell, Mr Ralph Snow.  Who is also an Assistant City Manager.  Like me, Mr Snow (or Captain Snow, to refer to his rank in the US Navy, from which he is retired), has been under the weather, but he did return my call.

The Question:  If there is a pot hole here in Lowell, but it is on a State road, is there any point in contacting the city about it.  Hidden in that question is the question of if you would know if it was a City Street or a State Road, or even if it was a street that had been incorporated into the City, or was just out there as some private byway.

The Answer:  Call.  If it is not a City Street they (DPW) will pass it on to the State District responsible, and, Mr Snow noted, if the State is backlogged and it is a serious pot hole the City may fix it on their own, with an informal "you owe me" arrangement with the applicable State district.

This sounds like just the kind of response and cooperation that makes things hum in a locality.

I am glad I called and I am happy to heap praise on the men and women at DPW.

Regards  —  Cliff

♠  Department of Public Works, or DPW.