craigdailypress.com

Craig — There's a lot people can - and do - gripe about when it comes to their city government.

Taxes are too high and services aren't quite up to snuff are two of the comments residents - and not just those in Craig - will at times make about their hometown government.

And that's all well and good. People who live in a town and pay taxes that keep the wheels of its municipal government turning have a right to voice their opinion.

But, there is a flip side of that well-worn coin. A side not so regularly utilized by the local citizenry, and that's praising our city employees for a job well done.

In this case, the editorial board commends the work our local snowplow crews have done this winter. They have been called out at all hours to combat the accumulation on our city streets and have done their jobs well.

It's a near impossibility for the crews to get all streets taken care of, but the board believes they have done an admirable job keeping the main channels as clear as possible.

It's not the easiest of jobs, most would agree, and without their efforts, our daily lives of going to work, the grocery store or the thousand other places we have to go during our busy weeks would be made not only more difficult but more dangerous.

To all the city personnel involved in snow removal, the board thanks you.

Some business owners, however, are a different matter.

Snow buildup outside of some businesses in town has grown to be a problem. Not only is the buildup an eyesore, but it also gives some shoppers reason enough to avoid that particular business.

The remedy, as one editorial member pointed out, is simple enough and doesn't involve the city stretching its resources to provide more help.

It's this: Be more proactive.

Clean up your snow and ensure that customers - specifically seniors - aren't at risk of getting hurt.

Some business owners, it should be noted, are taking on that responsibility and for them the reward will most likely be return business.