Dear PoP

“Here’s a new discussion thread to ponder and picture:

Certainly there are more important concerns in the neighborhood, but I feel the need to spout off on something and have a picture in my mind that would illustrate my frustration as well…

I am not sure whether you’ve noticed this evening, but the Department of Public Works sent someone out on our streets to post door tags informing many of us that our trash and recycling day will be changing as of December 3. While I very much appreciate the attempt of the Solid Waste Management Administration to keep me posted on changes to my services, I find it unbelievable that the gentleman from the DPW added to our swirling trash storm.

I watched the gentleman carelessly trample through my front garden and casually drop one of the notifications on the lower steps at his feet. Then he continued walking the streets in official attire and DC government patches to litter the neighborhood some more.

Picture: A leaf pile waiting for pick-up heavily mixed with these scattered flyers.

The DPW is not alone. The worker I observed this evening follows suit of newly elected Michael Brown and innumerable pizza joints. Political candidates and local businesses regularly scatter the neighborhood with their menus and leaflets. Is that really what the DPW intended? Is that really what the local candidates or restarraunts wanted? I doubt it. Are these guilty parties concerned with the mess they are leaving on our streets or the environmental impact? I doubt it.

I am all for grass roots organizing and understand the need to “spread the word” for events, coupons, specials, and political platforms. It is hard enough to keep a safe and clean community when residents themselves treat the streets as a garbage can without allowing others to systematically add to the problem. City services, candidates, and local businesses that find it beneficial to pass out materials in our neighborhood should be allowed to do so. They should also be held responsible for the mess and cost associated with the mess that they leave behind.

Previously, I contacted Michael Brown’s campaign office and received no response. I called DPW tonight and will call again tomorrow. I will be submitting my comments to local papers and will continue to support a clean and safe neighborhood, but other voices are needed to make a difference.”

What do you guys think are leaflets a menace?