Des Moines – In a hands‑on demonstration of leadership, Mayor Connie Boesen rode alongside city employees in the Public Works Department’s annual snowplow testing course. The event, held this week, gave the mayor a first‑hand look at the challenges snowplow operators confront when clearing the city’s streets during winter storms.
Mayor’s experience behind the wheel
Boesen climbed into the passenger seat of a cab‑over snowplow and was guided by medium equipment operator Steve Wiley. Together they navigated a course set up with barrels mimicking cars and mailboxes, as well as simulated deep‑snow curbs that can hide the true edge of the roadway. “When you have cars on the road or all the different obstacles and not seeing where the true curb is if it’s so deep, it gave me a great appreciation of what our staff does every time it snows,” Boesen said after completing the run.
Positive feedback from staff
Wiley praised the mayor’s composure, noting that she remained “very calm, cool, and collected” and followed his instructions without hesitation. Street‑maintenance worker Erik Abild, who scored the test, added that Boesen performed well, with only a minor “love tap” on a parked car that automatically reset the test score.
Mayor urges residents to help keep roads clear
Drawing on her experience, Boesen appealed to drivers to move their vehicles off designated snow routes whenever possible. “When cars are parked on the road, it makes the job harder and slows down snow removal for everyone,” she explained. The mayor’s call aligns with the city’s ongoing public‑works efforts to keep Des Moines safe and accessible throughout the winter months.
Community involvement and transparency
KCCI reporter Natalia Gomez del Camp also participated in the snowplow test, and a video of the event is available for residents who want to see the training in action. By joining the course, Boesen demonstrated a commitment to transparency and to understanding the day‑to‑day work of municipal employees, reinforcing the city’s focus on practical, family‑friendly solutions to winter weather challenges.
Looking ahead
The annual snowplow testing course is part of Des Moines’ broader winter‑preparation strategy, which includes regular equipment maintenance, driver certification, and public‑education campaigns about safe driving during snow events. City officials say the program helps ensure that the fleet remains ready to respond quickly when storms arrive, protecting both commuters and the city’s infrastructure.
Mayor Boesen’s participation underscores the administration’s dedication to supporting frontline workers and fostering a community‑wide effort to keep streets clear and safe for families throughout the season.
Original reporting: KCCI Des Moines — read the source article.
