In 1979, Chicago was buried by the blizzard of '79. Then Mayor, Michael Bilandic, screwed up royally which paved the way for Jane Byrne to be elected mayor of Chitown in 1980. Not that she was anything to rave about, but Chicagoans were so pissed at Bilandic, he was voted out of office and the lack of response to the blizzard was a key factor. One of the more infamous stories were plow crews clearing empty parking lots while streets went ignored or forgotten altogether. I hope things get better for you guys. It sounds like a real nightmare!