Taking over helm of government at midnight, incoming mayor Bill de Blasio will be faced with an immediate challenge: A snowstorm. But the new administration is ready in an aggressive manner to deal with any difficulties, Mr. de Blasio promised Tuesday.

At his final press conference at mayor-elect, announcing another five appointments hours before taking the oath of office, Mr. de Blasio said he identified with outer-borough residents struggling with unplowed streets in the event of a snowstorm, as “an outer-borough homeowner.”

“A few years ago, I remember that my own block didn’t get cleared for three days. And I remember people around me having the same experience in Brooklyn and in other neighborhoods it was even worse. So something like a snowstorm, I take very personally. I can see it; I can feel it; I can touch it. It’s not an abstraction to me. We’re going to be ready,” Mr. de Blasio said ahead of the first projected snowstorm this week, taking a swipe at Mayor Bloomberg’s inaction during the infamous 2010 blizzard that crippled the city for days.

“If we see a situation worsening we’re going to take very aggressive action. So it’s very much on our screens,” Mr. de Blasio vowed.

“Just on a larger point, I spoke to [Department of Sanitation] Commissioner Doherty; I asked him to stay on transitionally for the next few months and he graciously agreed.” he continued. Adding that first Deputy Mayor Tony Shorris will closely overlook and monitor the process.

(Jacob Kornbluh – YWN)