Snow, Ice, and Frigid Temperatures

     Hello faithful readers. It’s hard to believe the middle of February has come and gone. Soon it will be March. Like you, I can’t wait for the scent of freshly cut grass to fill the air as I watch kites flying around our town. But, we’re not there yet and the best we can do is enjoy every moment as if it’s our last.

     Everyone I know has experienced the loss of a loved one. It’s painful to say goodbye. The truth is none of us know if we will see another February, let alone another snowflake. It is not guaranteed, is it? So instead of complaining about the frigid temperatures or the accumulation of snow, look around and be thankful for what you have. Take this time to enjoy the company of your loved ones. They might not be here tomorrow. Take time to hug your child, your spouse, your sibling, or your pet. Be thankful they are with you today. Some of my favorite childhood memories of my late mother include days when we were snowed in when we lived in Somerset, PA. It would take all day for me to write about those great recollections.

     What about the ones whose heating units went out during this cold blast? I have personally communicated with people in our town who have been relying on electric and kerosene heaters to keep their living space above 55 degrees. I have invited families to my home, but they are too proud to accept my hospitality. Think about those who do not have a four-wheel drive and have been stuck inside for the last several days because they can’t get out of their driveways. And if you’re able to read this blog, you are able to do a search from your favorite search engine be it google, bing, or whatever floats your boat for images of what the people in the northeast are experiencing in the way of snowfall. Really people, what Bedford and Trimble County has is minimal compared to what they are getting up north. The argument about us not having the equipment to deal with snow and ice down here is invalid because of the differences in snow fall.  When you see a snow plow someone you know who drives a snow plow thank them instead of complaining to them. They are doing the best they can to clear the roads for your safety all while risking their lives.

     If you are shut-in, my phone number is (502)321-6288. You can call or text and texting is the best option. I don’t listen to voicemails because I think it’s a waste of time. My email is Mayor.Pollock@yahoo.com. Email works great too. What I am saying is this, call, text, or email me and I will do what I can to help you if you can’t get out or if you know someone who is shut in and needs assistance.

     The city commission meets Monday, February 23, 2015 at 10am in the Morgan Community Center on Victory Ave in Bedford. In March, we will begin meeting on the third Tuesday of every month at 10am. I encourage everyone to attend. As far as having a voice at the meeting, it is best if you notify me, the city clerk, or any of the commissioners three business days before the meetings to be placed on the agenda. By law, that is the only way you will be afforded the opportunity to address the commission. As many of you know, I am an open-minded person and will listen to anyone about anything so if you miss the deadline, contact me (see paragraph 4) and I will see what I can do to help you. If nothing else, I will listen to you. 

      I realize many of you work during the hours of the commission meetings and cannot attend because you have to work. For years, the commission met at 7pm on the third Monday of the month and the only people who would show up is the press and on occasion a resident with a gripe. So, we, the commission agreed to change the meeting times to 10am. Believe it or not, the same amount of people show up. If you’re interested in the commission changing their meeting times to 7pm, stop by city hall and ask to sign the petition. If I get at least half the number of votes from residents inside the city limits from the most recent election, I will recommend the commission change the meeting times to the evening. In the city limits, there were less than a hundred votes cast in the general election of 2014. So I want at least 48 signatures to bring up the matter and then it will require a majority of the commission to agree to change the meeting times.

Thank you for taking the time to read my blog. If you are a praying type of person, keep those working on our roads and streets in your prayers. Keep me in your prayers. I am still battling a very serious condition but I see light at the end of the tunnel. May the spirit of God bless and protect you and your family.