When I was the 5th District Erie County Legislator from 1988-1993, I proposed a local law that would have made it illegal for more than 10 helium filled balloons to be let go into the atmosphere. When I was interviewed by one of the local TV stations, the newscaster asked if I thought this proposal was "rather petty." And I replied, no, "this is just common sense, what goes up, must come down, and when these balloons come down with strings attached to latex, they are the only form of legalized litter that I know of."

Let us fast forward to year 2006. Even though most municipalities have laws on the books for litter, I don't think a day goes by when I don't fill up a plastic bag full of strewn about trash during my morning walk. Is it up to governments to now put stronger litter laws on the books, or is there something else a government should do? I'm not going to comment on the 10 most popular forms of litter I see never making a trash bin, because people may think I'm picking on someone. I dare say you could categorize litter by age, economic level and education. It may be petty, but it seems to me that it is part of the general malaise our society is experiencing, namely, immediate personal gratification with total disregard for our neighbors.

So, are we our brothers’ keepers, or do we just allow our neighborhoods to turn into one big trash heap? I never thought governments should legislate the stuff that parents should be doing, but now I'm wondering if we shouldn't start mandating schools to teach a basic course, such as Living in a Community 101. Right now, I'm just throwing these thoughts out, some might say like a piece of litter. I'm also wondering if someone out there has any suggestions. I've heard stories of remarkable clean cities, and I will research how they've accomplished that.

I am more than open to comments from my constituents and readers. Please feel free to contact me via email at mazurt2@erie.gov or phone my district office at 893-4385 on these and whatever other matters concern. I look forward to hearing your thoughts.

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