FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
Chris Shafer
Candidate, Lexington Urban County Council (At-Large)
Website: www.shaferforcouncil.com

Date: February 1 2026

Shafer Calls for Accountability and Reform After Failed Snow Removal Response in Lexington

LEXINGTON, KY – Today, Chris Shafer, candidate for Lexington Urban County Council (At-Large), called out the city’s current snow removal plan as ineffective, outdated, and harmful to public safety following recent winter storms that left neighborhoods unsafe and untreated.

“Residents are frustrated, and they have every right to be,” said Shafer. “Our streets were left dangerous for days. Families couldn’t get to work, kids couldn’t get to school, and emergency vehicles struggled to move. This is not acceptable for a city like Lexington.”

Shafer pointed to two major failures contributing to the problem:

1. A Slashed Snow Removal Budget

Lexington’s snow and ice response budget is now a fraction of what it once was—between one-quarter to one-half of previous funding levels.
“That means fewer trucks, fewer drivers, less salt, and slower response times,” Shafer said. “You cannot expect better results when the city has stripped away the resources needed to do the job.”

2. A ‘No-Salt’ Strategy That Backfired

City leaders reduced salt usage due to temperature concerns, but Shafer says the policy made conditions worse.
“Instead of trying to adapt and improve, the city chose inaction. Roads became ice rinks. People were stuck. Businesses lost money. Safety was put at risk.”

A Call for New Leadership

Shafer emphasized that the problem is not just weather—it’s leadership.

“We need leaders who will plan ahead, invest in public safety, and respond when residents need help—not make excuses after the fact. Lexington deserves better.”

Shafer is calling for:

• A full public review of the snow removal budget

• A modernized winter weather response plan

• Transparent reporting on street treatment priorities

• Restoration of funding to protect residents and workers

“Lexington can do better. And with new leadership, we will.”

For more information, visit:
👉 www.shaferforcouncil.com