READ ALL ABOUT IT\Determined citizen plows through blizzard of red tape.

When a blizzard of red tape and excuses left pedestrians knee-deep in snow on Memorial Bridge, Richard Sorcinelli did what three governments couldn't accomplish: He plowed the sidewalk.

As local and state officials quibbled last week over who was responsible for clearing a month's snow from the walkway, Sorcinelli took pity on the people who cross the bridge to and from downtown. He got on his plow-equipped all-terrain vehicle and did what had to be done.

"He took over where we failed," said Patrick Hourihan, chairman of West Springfield's Board of Selectmen. "I don't know him, but I would like to shake his hand."

Sorcinelli, a painting and wallpapering contractor, said scores of grateful walkers and drivers have jammed his answering machine with messages of thanks and praise. Some even suggested he run for office.

"He's got my thanks, for sure," said Michael Weltz, walking across the 1,456-foot bridge Tuesday.

Weltz, who works in downtown Springfield, said the snow-clogged sidewalks had forced him to abandon his lunchtime hikes over the four-lane bridge between Springfield and West Springfield.

"People say you can't change the world, but it's amazing what this has produced," Sorcinelli said.

Sorcinelli, who lives in West Springfield, said he became increasingly upset at seeing pedestrians struggle through the drifts or skitter on the icy edges of the traffic lanes as December storm followed December storm. The city has received more than 26 inches of snow this month.

When he called government offices to ask why the sidewalks had not been plowed, everyone pointed the finger at someone else.

The city of Springfield and town of West Springfield noted it was a state bridge. The state said the municipalities were responsible for the sidewalks.

The bridge had been under repair for the past four years. Before the repair work closed two or more lanes, the bridge had carried about 20 percent of the vehicle traffic into the city of 160,000 people as well as the bulk of the city's walkers.

"It was unbelievable," said Rosemary Sandlin, an aide to state Sen. Linda Melconian, who had spent days unsuccessfully trying to unravel the bridge-plowing mystery on behalf of constituents. "I went through a long and tedious maze."

Sorcinelli took the direct route. And he was prepared to do the same for a second snowbound bridge until his actions drove sheepish city and town officials to discuss sharing the work themselves.

"We don't need an international treaty," said Springfield Mayor-elect Michael Albano. "Let's just get the job done."

Use the facts from the story to complete each of the following statements below:

1. Richard Sorcinelli used his all-terrain vehicle to

a) repair a bridge.

b) plow snow.

c) ride through a blizzard.

2. The Memorial Bridge in Springfield, Massachusetts has

a) four lanes.

b) sidewalks for pedestrians.

c) both a and b are correct.

3. According to the article, the 1,456-foot bridge

a) connects Springfield and West Springfield.

b) used to be covered with red tape.

c) is used mostly by walkers.

4. After 26 inches of snow fell on the ground, people

a) had trouble using the sidewalks.

b) enjoyed walking in the knee-deep snowdrifts.

c) helped to clear the snow.

5. Sorcinelli called government offices to find out why

a) two bridge lanes were closed.

b) no one was using the bridge.

c) the walkways weren't cleared.

6. Rosemary Sandlin, Senator Melconian's aide, tried to

a) find out who should plow the bridge.

b) learn how to solve puzzles.

c) clearing the footpaths.

7. State officials argued that municipalities (cities and towns) were responsible for

a) jamming telephone lines.

b) ice forming in the traffic lanes.

c) clearing the footpaths.

8. It is likely that the quibbling (arguing) government officials

a) didn't realize the seriousness of the situation.

b) thought they would need to buy more plows.

c) wanted to get the job done quickly.

9. At first, the snow-clogged path remained unplowed because

a) people knew the snow would melt.

b) officials weren't sure who should do the job.

c) businesses were closed for the week.

10. People praised the Massachusetts contractor because he

a) hiked across the bridge every day.

b) fixed a troublesome situation.

c) found out who was responsible for plowing.

Answers: 1) b, 2) c, 3) a, 4) a, 5) c, 6) a, 7) c, 8) a, 9) b, 10)b