Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow; but how much is to much snow? The Washington Post and other news organizations have been pilled up with snow reports. Articles mostly cover the basic snow storm forte, but some reporters are taking a different spin on this winter wonder land “miracle”. One particular article in the Post covers the expenses and the crippling budget of the State High Way Administrations in Maryland, Northern Virginia, and Washington D.C.. Reported by Ashley Halsey III on the fifth of February 2010, her article was able to show the reader a better inside look on the expenses, and cut backs of the State Highway Administrations. Maryland was hit the hardest in spending limits, and is now trying to come up with ways to supplement the already negative budget. Maryland is usually given $45 million for snow removal, but this year’s budget was pegged at $26 million. To date, Maryland has spent $36 million in snow removal and the administrations knows it will spend more based on weather forecast of Wednesdays supposed storm. The Virginia Department of Transportation is also dealing with declining revenue and the continued snow fall. Northern Virginia was given $27.6 million for plowing streets, but has spent $36 million after last weekend. Washington D.C. was given $6.2 million but has spent $4 million on the December 2009 storm alone. All administrations are bracing for the current snow storm, and future snow storms, while trying to figure out different ways to replenish their depleting budgets. Their attitude and drive to continue to keep going makes every commuter thankful for the safe roads, and collected snow piles. Most people will wake up the morning of The February Blizzard 2010 and see white, while the administrations see red. Although the weather outside is frightful, and the fires are delightful, the administrations will wish it wont snow, but, let it snow, let it snow let it snow.
Ashely Halsey III was able to draw the reader in by taking a spin on something so commonly overseen by the general public. Her detail in the given spending limits for the State Administrations showed the magnitude of the severed budget. Halsey portrayed the administrations as mistreated, but optimistic about the blizzard and collected snow. She was able to pull the reader in by offering something most people never really think about. A different spin on the article makes the reader more apathetic toward the road plowing teams. The news value of the article is represented by the importance of money and the huge amounts of funding the state receives. Snow is on everyones mind and Halsey was able to construct a different, but interesting spin on back-breaking work. Her different angle on snow and its importance made me more interested in different, but related stories. Also it has made me more aware of improper and ill-adviced budgets for less important commodities. Each time the reader learns about different spending habits and cut backs, Halsey amplifies the story by demeaning the loved or hated snow.