People who choose to live in town give up some choices when they move inside the city limits.
Laws and ordinances let us know what the rules are and are designed to protect the quality of life for the thousands of people – young and old, rich and poor, black and white – who live in town.
Fire codes, health regulations, sewer permits, curfews, speed limits, construction codes and animal ordinances don’t target one person – they apply to us all. And the key word in that phrase is “us.”
Those living in the county and out of sight are allowed to live and pretty much do as they please. Sadly, weak state and federal regulations tend to be the standard of decency for individual county residents.
But those who choose to live in the city with us must realize they give up a certain amount of choice and independence when they decide to become our neighbors.
That is why your Clarksdale Press Register was somewhat perplexed at the recent city announcement last week that they will begin enforcing ordinances on junk cars, parking in yards and owning pit bull dogs.
Why hasn’t Mayor and City Executive Chuck Espy been overseeing this? Why hasn’t our City Ordinance Enforcement Officer been writing citations? Why haven’t our city judges been holding those found in violation accountable if there has been an infraction?
Neighborhoods that are allowed to deteriorate attract crime and lower property values. They make Clarksdale look nasty and unsafe.
City ordinances must be enforced if we want a cleaner, safer, prettier and more vibrant Clarksdale.
The city and state also prohibit panhandling, loud mufflers, tinted windows and speeding. But again these laws are not enforced in Clarksdale.
But there is the hint of change in our fair city. Clarksdale Commissioners have presented lists of eyesores and started the legal process to demolish abandoned or burned out houses in their wards. After seven years of this administration, we are glad to see them get with the program.
Your Press Register has repeatedly point to the fire hazard these properties pose. Empty and abandoned buildings are targets for burglary, arson and juvenile mischief.
Our city has tolerated those wanting to live like they want to for too long. They grant a “variance” when the grass grows too tall, the roof caves in or the windows are covered with plywood. These property owners – they are not our neighbors – want special treatment when it comes to allowing dangerous and unsightly property in the city limits.
City ordinances and policy need apply to each of us equally and fairly. They are the rules and regulations we all agree to live by if we are going to make this town our home.
-30-
