Clark column didn’t add up

I must admit that Doug Clark’s recent “Snowmageddon” column was amusing. However, I assume that the reason that Mr. Clark sold his gas-powered snowblower last summer was in anticipation of the effect of potential nationwide newspaper layoffs on his checking account.

And if Doug really fears what his $20 replacement snowblower might do to his electric bill, The Spokesman-Review must pay him even less than I thought (or else his economic and math skills rival those of the bankers and Detroit automakers).

For your information, a small snowblower is typically rated between 1,100 and 1,500 watts. With current Northwest electric prices of 6 cents per kilowatt hour, Clark could run the machine for 24 hours straight, and his total bill would be two bucks (or less).

Of course, “hooking three extension cords together” (especially if they are lighter gauge) will lower the voltage to his small motor (the one in his hand, not in his head) and dramatically shorten the life of his snowblower. This is not to mention the potential safety problems with the daisy-chained cords.

If Doug was really smart, he’d simply go outside and melt his driveway and sidewalks with his overabundance of hot air.

Dave Ayres

Spokane