BROOKLINE

The following is the text of a letter from Council 93 Executive Director Frank Moroney that was recently published in the Brookline Tab. Read the letter online here.

Letter: As spring approaches, don't forget DPW's work
Posted Mar. 16, 2015 at 12:03 PM

As we slowly inch our way toward the start of the spring season, nearly everyone is looking forward to leaving behind what is arguably the most harsh and challenging winter we have ever experienced.

But while I'm all for forgetting the snow and ice and the myriad of problems caused by it, I hope we will always remember the contributions and sacrifices made by the thousands of public works employees here in Brookline and throughout New England. Over the past six weeks, these dedicated, unsung heroes have pushed themselves to their limits to keep our roads and highways safe for passage. Many were away from their homes and families for several days at a time and worked with just a few hours of sleep in between 12- to 14-hour shifts. Not only did their work get us safely to and from our jobs, it saved lives by ensuring that public safety and EMS workers were able to do their jobs. Of course, their work did not end when the snow stopped falling. Public works crews are still going about the difficult task of digging out fire hydrants, removing snow from the roofs of public buildings and clearing our sidewalks and streets of the massive snow banks that snarl traffic and create safety hazards for pedestrians and drivers.

The Town of Brookline serves as a great example of their hard work. Our main streets, back roads and sidewalks seem to be getting wider by the minute. Thanks to the men and women of our public works department, traffic is moving more smoothly, our kids have made it back to the classroom sooner, and customers are returning more quickly to our shops, restaurants and other small businesses.

As we move into the warmer months, trees and flowers will start to bloom, baseball will return to Kenmore Square, and the long and difficult winter of 2015 will begin to fade from our minds. But none of us should ever forget the sacrifices and fantastic work of our public works employees during the record-setting winter of 2015. — Frank M. Moroney, Executive Director, AFSCME Council 93 and Jamaica Road resident