Not another word out of me!

My pledge - I will never again criticize the Huntington City Government about our worn out infrastructure - Honest!

You think our home town of Huntington has problems with its infrastructure, according to the U.S. Department of transportation, more than one in four of America's nearly 600,000 bridges need significant repairs or are burdened with more traffic than they were designed to carry. In West Virginia, 37% of our bridges are obsolete or deficient.
Moreover, a third of the country’s major roadways are in substandard condition - a significant factor in a third of the 43,000 traffic fatalities each year, according to the Federal Highway Administration. Dams, too, are at risk. Underground, aging and inadequate sewer systems spill an estimated 1.26 trillion gallons of untreated sewage every year resulting in an estimated $50.6 billion in cleanup costs, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Fixing these problems and others threatening the nation's critical infrastructure would cost $1.6 trillion - more than half of the annual federal budget, the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) estimates. That doesn't include the cost for new capacity to serve a growing population.

After researching to find answers for the question I have been asking myself ("Why haven't our local and state political leaders done something about our deteriorating infrastructure?"), it became obvious to me that the magnitude of the problem is beyond the means of local and state governments. The problem is bigger than any of our political leaders. Our nation's infrastructure is simply worn out, and it may take several decades to modernize. We, the citizens of Huntington, may not see the modernization of our city's infrastructure in our lifetimes. Again, no more from me about Huntington’s worn out infrastructure, as there is not a soul who can do a thing about it.

(Although, I can't shut up without reminding everyone that the United States Government has spent about $1.6 trillion to fund its unilateral invasion of Iraq and Afghanistan.)

Native Huntingtonian writes regarding our "dirty city"

A well-respected business person from Huntington, who retired and moved out west, sent this personal email after reading my posting criticising Huntington Mayor David Felinton, and I thought I would share it with you:

"You, my dear, have really struck a chord. I think part of the problem is that many people in Huntington have never lived anywhere else and they don't know the difference. Or, on the brighter side, maybe it's happened so gradually that it takes someone with some guts (like you) to stand up and say, "Hey, has anybody noticed that this city is disgustingly dirty"? It's so apparent to those of us who visit from time to time but our voice is only heard by close friends like you guys, not those in power (or should be but don't exercise it). (My son) said to me in September, "Mom, I'm always so excited about coming back to Huntington every year for Grandma's birthday but I'm only here about an hour and I can't wait to get back to Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina". He goes on to talk about how dirty and run-down the streets, structures, and neighborhoods are but you know all that. It is sad, very sad but I congratulate you on keepin' on, keepin' on! It's uphill but so important to those of us who cherish so many good memories of a once, All American City."

Let us get one thing straight!

Let us get one thing straight, it is not my intent to "blame" the mayor for the fact of the litter. I am criticizing him, because he is the only individual in a position to cause enforcement to occur. Because of his elected position as the chief operating officer of our city government, with the legal power to implement enforcement, he is derelict in his duty when he fails to take steps - any steps - to keep the streets and viaducts litter-free.

If it takes more money, then we citizens must be required to step up by paying higher fees for trash and litter control. If viewed as the base-reason for our city's reputation ("trashy" city?), then all stops must be pulled to correct it. Either we citizens voluntarily join in to do it as a major step toward economic survival, or we do it through major enforcement of our current ordinances that level fines and/or jail-time. We have to get this thing under control now!

Mayor David Felinton is our leader. He should have made this a top priority eight-years-ago, without being concerned that citizens would be upset with the implementation of higher fees! What citizens are truly upset about is the City's continuous failure to use city user fees for the projects for which they are collected.

We citizens must understand that we live in a city with extremely low costs for public services. If we want the required trash and litter control, we are going to have to "pay the fiddler". However, it is the mayor's responsibility to develop a plan of attack, including the required level of personnel and funding for equipment, etc. and to present it to City Council for debate and possible funding action.

That is all I am saying. "Mr. Mayor, give us a plan, including required labor costs, equipment costs and a tactical plan for getting our city cleaned up and presentable. You, Sir, will have to look to the citizens, through a local option sales tax, payroll tax or user fees to pay for it. In the words of my father, "Those who play must pay!"

The future of our city must start with getting it cleaned up and keeping it clean - no matter what the cost! The mayor is the responsible party for the strategic plan and the tactics for implementing it.

City Ordinance Is Very Clear On Dog Owners' Responsibility

One of the most frequent complaints I hear about the problem of litter is that dog owners seem to feel that it is alright to let their dogs defecate on public or private property and just merely walk away without cleaning up the mess. The City of Huntington ordinance related to this issue is very clear:

ARTICLE 507 (City of Huntington City Code)

DOGS.

(a) It shall be the duty of each person who owns, possesses or controls a dog to remove and dispose of any feces left by his/her dog on any sidewalk, street or other public area in the City. It shall further be the duty of each person who owns, possess or controls a dog to remove and dispose of any feces left by his/her dog on any private property neither owned nor occupied by said person.(b) No person who owns, possesses or control such dog shall appear with such dog on any sidewalk, street, park or other public area without the means of removal of any feces left by such dog. Furthermore, no person who owns, possesses or controls such dog shall appear with such dog on any private property neither owned nor occupied by said person without the means of removal of any feces left by said dog.(d) This section shall not apply to a dog accompanying any handicapped person who, by reasons of his/her handicap, is physically unable to comply with the requirements of this section, or to any individual who utilizes a guide dog.(e) The provisions of this section are severable; and if any of the provisions of this section shall be held unconstitutional or otherwise invalid by any court of competent jurisdiction, the decision of such court shall not affect or impair any of the remaining provisions. (Ord. 8-10-98.)(Ord. 6-28-99.)

507.99 PENALTY.(EDITOR'S NOTE: See Section 501.99 for general Code penalty if no specific penalty is provided.)

501.99 PENALTY.

(a) Whoever violates any provision of this Part Five - General Offenses Code for which no other penalty is provided shall be fined not more than five hundred dollars ($500.00)or imprisoned not more than thirty days, or both. Each day such violation continues shall constitute a separate offense.(b) Whoever violates Section 501.01 shall be fined not more than one hundred dollars ($100.00) or imprisoned not more than thirty days, or both.(WVaC 61-5-14)(c) Whoever violates Section 501.02(c) shall be fined not more than one thousand dollars ($1,000) and shall be imprisoned not more than thirty days.(WVaC 61-5-17)(d) Whoever violates Section 501.04 shall be fined not more than one thousand dollars ($1,000) or imprisoned not more than thirty days, or both.(WVaC 6 1-6-17)(e) Whoever violates Section 501.05(a) shall be fined not less than one hundred dollars ($100.00) and not more than one thousand dollars ($1,000).(WVaC 61-1-9)

Property owners have every right to file a complaint with the city, but it is necessary to have witnesses and they will have to testify in court. The only way to stop these inconsiderate acts is to prosecute the irresponsible owners.

Litter and Trash Rob Value from Our Communities

Street litter and blowing household trash rob value from our communities. When potential residents and visitors come to Cabell County, they form a lasting impression of our area. I am concerned that they make a "yes" or "no" decision to live and work here based on how they judge the "appearance" of our area. No one wants to live in an area that reflects a lack of pride, because citizens seem oblivious to the "trashy" look of their neighborhoods.

And, so, houses don't sell - or they sell for much less than they should. Don't be fooled - the "Fair Market Value" of all residential real estate depends on many factors, and the "curb appeal" of a particular property and its neighborhood dramatically affect the sales price. Ask any local Realtor, and they will tell you that neighborhood litter and the condition of other homes around a house placed on the market for sale is the "kiss of death" for any attempt to get top dollar in the sales transaction.

If you are concerned about your property's "curb appeal", or your neighborhood's "curb appeal", why not improve the chances of the value of your property increasing. How? Simply join the Adopt YOUR Block - Be a Litter-Gitter program. We supply the "litter-stick" so you don't have to bend over or touch anything, and you supply a little time each week to keep your own block, or road, free of litter and cigarette butts. You will love the results of your efforts, and your neighbors will notice and will want to join you in keeping your neighborhood's property values right up where they should be. Think of your time on the litter as an investment in your property.

Call me at 523-7902, and I will gladly deliver you a "litter-gitter" stick. There is no charge, and I will even help you pick up until we get things squared away.

Together, we will accomplish anything we can imagine.

Do You Care Enough?

We are now in an election year. Our city and county governments can continue their head-in-the-sand political course, or “we the people” of Huntington and Cabell County can choose elected officials who can “think outside of the box” to find solutions to our city, county and state public policy issues.

Each of us can be a part of the solutions, but we have to recommit ourselves by registering to vote, keeping up with the current issues, questioning all candidates for elected office – and by voting!

Are you registered to vote? Do you care enough? Will you vote? Just do it!