I love coming home for the holidays and seeing how Lewiston is evolving. There is always a big part of me that misses Lewiston and wants to come back permanently some day.

One thing important to me is being able to get around on foot. I am part of an increasing trend of young people who are looking to be less and less dependent on cars.

Lewiston has the bones to be a very walkable city. First, however, pedestrians need to feel respected.

That was not the case for me in the days after the Dec. 26 snowstorm. I shook my head in frustration while passing pedestrians (many of whom were older) and mail carriers as well were forced to walk on some busy streets  (including College, Russell and Sabattus) because the sidewalks were not cleared.

Drivers sped by me, sometimes spraying me with slush or even honking at me. It was scary and embarrassing.

Clearing the sidewalks is such a basic and simple thing. The city of Lewiston turns a non-issue into an issue by making itself responsible for clearing sidewalks.

In places I have lived, as well as Maine cities like Portland and Bangor, however, property owners must clear sidewalks adjacent to their land. In my experience, it’s been effective and only adds a minimal amount of work for each individual while benefiting the entire city.

People like to be able to choose how they live their lives. Here’s a simple (and free) way to gain that opportunity.

Shane Morin, Minneapolis, Minn.