Picking up where we left off last year, just as it is residents’ responsibility to clear off the sidewalk in front of their houses to the best of their abilities, it is the City’s responsibility to clear off the overpass bridges and their sidewalks (not the RMA or VCU!).
On S. Laurel Street overpass:
On S. Cherry Street overpass:
In front of Open High School:
There is also a missing public trash can at the corner of S. Pine and Idlewood. Which begs the question of when Oregon Hill will receive better public trash/recycling containers? (Councilperson Agelasto has done what he can).
Short editorial:
When it comes to money and attention, maybe Oregon Hill can pass a collection plate at Mayor Jones’ church.
Longer editorial:
A report was recently released which detailed the “growing dissatisfaction with City government. One of the Mayor’s cheerleaders on City Council across the river reportedly recently told her constituents that this dissatisfaction and shortfalls in service are due to an earlier budgeting ‘choice’ to fund schools. She should be roundly criticized and ridiculed for this ‘crying poor’, especially given a long history of voting millions for corporate welfare projects like the Redskins training camp and Center Stage. Richmond students know the real deal.
Other corporate welfare cheerleaders say that criticism is not warranted, because these private projects are supposed to bring more tax money to public coffers. These neoliberal schemers keep haranguing citizens ‘for more compromise’ and investment, yet their promised ROI (return on investment) never seems to materialize for schools and other public mandates. There’s a real rhythm to the empty promises.
Many believe they are above public concerns and will resort to deception to continue their gravy train.
Enough is enough. It’s time for citizens to demand better standards and better leadership for our City government. We need Mayoral candidates to step up, give voice to this widespread dissatisfaction, and detail plans to end the corporate welfare and properly fund and improve citizen services.