Roadside trash
Now that the election is over, you all thought that the trash talk was over with as well. Roadside trash is what I’ve been talking about recently.
When I first became a Union Township Trustee in January 2022, I inquired about various problem areas and how to get them cleaned up.
Fortunately, the Clermont County Municipal Court periodically sends out people sentenced to community service work. They do a great job for us but the roadside trash problem is bigger than they can manage.
ODOT is responsible for I-275 and state highways such as SR 32. They use state inmates, local convicts, and their own personnel to periodically sweep those areas.
It comes down to resources. How much more in taxes do, we the people, want to pay to hire workers to pick up litter? Or do we fill fewer potholes? Frankly, I wouldn’t support either choice. There are no easy answers here.
Where does the trash keep coming from?
Some of the trash is a result of wind blowing shopping bags and litter across retailers’ parking lots. Wind can also be a factor when dumpsters get emptied. Some of it inadvertently blows off of trucks traveling through the area.
What bothers me the most is when people intentionally discard beverage containers and other trash from their vehicles. (The Indian with the tear in his eye from the 1970 public service announcement (PSA) often comes to mind: tinyurl.com/y86zbknn)
Okay, Becker. What are you doing about it?
On October 5, Union Township sponsored a “Park Clean Up” day at Clepper Park and Veterans Park. While working Clepper Park on a very pleasant, cool, and sunny Saturday morning, I asked myself why I don’t do this every Saturday morning?
I like to lead by example and walk the talk. Therefore, each Saturday from October 5 through November 16, I’ve personally been out picking up litter along sections of Rumpke Road, Old SR 74, Eastgate Boulevard, and Bach Buxton Road. Depending on weather, I might continue in December and beyond.
To be clear, I am not asking the public to jeopardize their own safety working any busy highways. It’s too dangerous.
That said, many unsung heroes in our community, for many years and sometimes decades, routinely walk their neighborhoods picking up litter as they go. Thank you!
What is Union Township doing about it?
The police will write citations pursuant to the litter laws. However, they must personally witness the infraction.
To bring attention to the problem and at my request, the electronic signs at the Union Township firehouses, police station, and Civic Center all say, “Keep our Community Clean. Please Don’t Litter.” Additionally, our December newsletter is going to declare that “Every Day is Earth Day in Union Township.” I would also personally add, “Let’s Make Union Township Clean Again.”
As always, Trustees Michael Logue, Joe Dills, and I are accessible and approachable. That is also true of Fiscal Officer Ron Campbell, Administrator Cory Wright, and our staff. If you need anything or just want to chat, call me at home at 513-753-6440. Or call 513-752-1741 to speak with any staff member at the Civic Center.
John Becker has been a Union Township Trustee since January 2022. He previously served as a State Representative from 2013 – 2020 until forced out by term limits. You can subscribe to his political newsletter “The Becker Report” at BeckerGOP.com.