A Cleaner Trenton

At last Thursday's TCCA meeting, Councilwoman Holly-Ward spoke about an anti-litter program she's interested in; I voted against TCCA participation. This, by the way, is not a political gimmick on Ms. Holly-Ward's part; for the fifteen or so years, I've known her, she has always advocated for a cleaner city. I voted against participating because I think it time to speak out as to why our city is filthy. Yesterday afternoon, I spent half an hour or so picking up crap in the immediate area of my house and filled two plastic bags with trash left by other people. I did the same thing last Monday afternoon but only filled one bag - slow day. For many years, I took part in neighborhood clean-ups usually sponsored by one of the local civic groups. The last one I took part in was along Centre Street and sponsored by Paul Harris. We had a good turn out including a resident of Pennington who deeply loves our fair city. Trenton supplied garbage bags, gloves, etc. and off we went along Centre Street from Broad down to Federal at which point we ran out steam. As our group headed down, several residents spoke with us. Most were sitting on the front steps drinking coffee (or something in a brown bag) and smoking. We heard things like, "It's about time this stuff was cleaned up." "I hate looking at this." "You gotta come here more regular." Since of the volunteer cleaners believe in using honey to catch flies (yeah, sure), a few replied, "Why don't you join us? We have extra gloves," or words of that sort. It was always said with a smile. The answers? Are you ready? "I work all week; I'm tired." "It ain't my mess." "I'm just visting; I wouldn't live in this &^*( place." "No way, I pay taxes. Let the city do it." If we are ever to have a clean city, everyone must do their part even if it means telling the residents of Centre Street to, "Get off your big butt and clean up your street yourself!" During this clean up, the volunteers tried using honey and got nowhere. It is time for truth, vinegar, and responsibility. I am not prepared to beg, plead, explain, or teach. I am tired of these pigs.