Lewiston Highway Division officials just don’t get it. It’s only the beginning of December and the streets of Lewiston are powder white.

I don’t blame the operators, they are just doing what they are told to do. They should be able to use their own discretion as to how much is needed to do the job correctly. Other towns seem to do it right.

I’ve done research on this issue. Road salt should be applied at 100 to 300 pounds per lane mile — 300 being for severe storms. Lewiston often puts down 500 pounds per lane mile.

Does anyone in upper management have enough backbone to address that very costly issue? Or are they just there for the six-figure salary?

One more question: Why is Public Works buying so many brand new 4-by-4 trucks? Can someone honestly justify that, when the city is heading for a $30 per $1,000 tax rate?

It is time to take a hard look at who is wasting the taxpayers’ money.

Bob Pelletier, Lewiston

Editor’s note: According to Public Works Director David Jones, the city starts each storm putting down 500 pounds per lane mile and then adjusts coverage depending on road conditions, dropping as low as 100 pounds per lane mile where roads are more clear and maintaining higher coverage on frozen roads. “It all depends on conditions” for each storm, Jones said.