I completely understand that it doesn't snow enough in Seattle for folks to spend money on snow tires, etc, but please don't think that Seattle has any worse hills than cities in Pennsylvania, New York state, etc.

Google Canton Avenue: "Canton Avenue, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania's Beechview neighborhood, is the steepest public street in the United States. It has a grade of 37%." (Wikipedia)

And other places may have more snow removal equipment, but residents still don't expect the City to clear every road. They think its a personal responsibility to have snow tires and chains. Heck, this is even true for those who live in the Cascades.