In this case, the state might have done a better job mitigating the effects of this snow storm, but there's a trend in the public perception of holding government responsible for natural events. It all seemed to have started a few years back with the heat wave in Chicago that killed 50 people, and more recently with the hurricanes Katrina and Rita. This perception reinforces the notion of an infinitely capable caretaker government with infinite resources, if only it was more competently run. More fodder for the concept of the nanny state.
It used to be the case that the first responders on the scene would assess the situation, the highest ranking responder on the scene would issue orders, and stuff would happen
Now they have to wait for the guy from PEMA (the PA version of FEMA) to arrive with his binders full of forms and procedures, and get approvals and coordination from all sorts of bureaucrats.
The problem is NOT, as Rendell asserts, that there was a "breakdown in communications among state agencies". The problem was that the Rendell Administration REQUIRED so much communication among state agencies in order for any action to be taken.
The way things should have worked (and they way things used to work) would have been:
First trooper on scene to dispatcher: "I-78 is blocked by tractor trailer. Road conditions are becoming impassible. I recommend closing the road"Dispatcher: "All units - start closing on-ramps to I-78 between XXX and YYY"
My sentiments exactly. I couldn't believe they were airdropping supplies in Colorado via helicopter a month or so ago because of...
wait for it...
a snow storm. Imagine, people in Colorado not prepared for a snow storm. Sheeple