Snow removal, or lack of it, surfaced as a key talking point in this year's Buffalo mayoral race.
And, now less than one month before he takes office, Mayor-elect Sean Ryan has gotten a glimpse of the city's current snow removal plan. But, that sneak preview has been limited because only minimal amounts of snow has fallen in Buffalo.
Ryan said until he takes office on Jan. 1, Buffalo will still rely on the existing plan crafted by Acting Mayor Chris Scanlon's administration. That plan is largely untested due to the lack of a blizzard-like storm.
"We really won't know until I take office in January," Ryan said.
Ryan's new public works team will review the plan and make, if needed, any changes.
Ryan said he will also rely on existing city public works employees such as snow plow operators because they are the ones with street-level experience.
"What I do know is that we equipment that works and the right equipment," Ryan said. "I also want a plan to addresses all of Buffalo and its streets."
Ryan admits he now looks at snow removal operations through a different, more critical lens. It was a major campaign issue and he promises to follow through on his pledge to make sure the city's snow removal plan works and works for all of Buffalo.
"I used to look at snow storms and wonder when the plows were coming down my street," Ryan said. "Now, I have a different look."