Many a young entrepreneur has turned a snowfall into an opportunity to earn money while performing a valuable service for their neighbors by shoveling driveways and sidewalks.
That's why a recent news item deserves some out-of-the-box creative thinking ("City officials approve $92,000 for catering during snow storms," Feb. 28).
The Baltimore budget could easily save $92,000 by simply allowing emergency employees the flexibility to bring their own meals to work and set aside an appropriate time for them to eat and relax.
Years ago I learned to take my lunch to school, and I still do today without feeling unloved or unfairly treated.
Also, the city could easily keep a list of willing, vetted workers who could be quickly summoned in an emergency. These workers would fill in so city workers wouldn't have to work overtime.
Baltimore's overworked employees would be happy, and the city's budget wouldn't increase past the point where it was no longer financially sound.
Roald Pomykala, Stevenson