Two surprises (Baton Rouge: budget, car, office)

[fbbertusa]

Originally Posted by BR_Bound

BRMan -

I'm comparing my experiences here with time spent in Houston, Austin, San Antonio, OKC and Boulder.

It's only one woman's observation.

I've never smoked and I've never thrown trash anywhere but into a trash can.

And, thanks, BRMan, for not turning this into a racial, economic, class or political issue. Funny thing with posts on this board -- they blow up very very quickly. Once I was asking about the single scene and it turned into a big deal about alcoholism, DWI and skanky bars. Go figure.

I can leave out the Racial and class and maybe economy ,but IMO I BELIEVE IT WILL TAKE POLITICS TO CLAN UP BR.Sorry for the caps!! It should be done by personal respect and pride.

[BetaBeta]

The city I lived in before moving here (which shall remain nameless to avoid flaming, LOL) had this "keep city name beautiful" program that was a partnership between the city and businesses located in that city.

How it work was the biz would adopt a certain amount of miles with in the city. Then their employees would volunteer to go out and clean that certain geographical area every couple of weeks or once a month. The company also worked with city planning to donate the appropriate flowers, shrubs, foliage, trash cans on corners where cars driving by could access them and other beautification needs for that geographical area.

In return the biz got a small tax break and a street sign that said "AAA Electrical Services is helping to keep City Name beautiful) on the streets in their assigned geographical area. The thing I liked best about the program (my company was a participant) is that business chose all types of areas to keep clean or clean up, from the lower economic to the higher end and those in between. The employees that volunteered got a chance to skip work for a day or so and work outside cleaning, painting, planting etc. Also people in the community would see them doing this work (the volunteers wear vests with the program and their company's name on them) and would think a little more before just throwing something on the ground.

Perhaps this is something we can expand upon here... we need more town halls in our individual neighborhoods (aka districts) so we can voice these suggestions to the politicians that can make them happen. Seems on my side of town we only have them around election time.... suddenly all the councilmen, etc appear at our Neighborhood Assoc. meetings for town halls.

[Caa]

I have actually seen some blue signs regarding cleaning up a certain length of Burbank I think it is. I agree with everyone that it is disrespectful people with a I don't give a crap" atitude that is ruining our city. Many of these people are just plain lazy and dumb. I wish Baton Rouge were cleaner, but maybe I am being too hopeful, but one day it will be!

[BRMan]

Originally Posted by Caa

I have actually seen some blue signs regarding cleaning up a certain length of Burbank I think it is. I agree with everyone that it is disrespectful people with a I don't give a crap" atitude that is ruining our city. Many of these people are just plain lazy and dumb. I wish Baton Rouge were cleaner, but maybe I am being too hopeful, but one day it will be!

While we're at it, let's do something about the panhandlers on Siegen, Bluebonnet, Essen, and College. Maybe charge an occupational license fee, with the proceeds going towards traffic signal synchronization ?

[Caa]

Originally Posted by BRMan

While we're at it, let's do something about the panhandlers on Siegen, Bluebonnet, Essen, and College. Maybe charge an occupational license fee, with the proceeds going towards traffic signal synchronization ?

I heard about the license for homeless, I do not remember what city or state the proposal was in. I heard it on the radio, but the radio dj' s were saying that there is no charge for those licenses. Great idea for sure! I honestly can say I don't see that many panhandlers on those roads, but I think that depends on what time you go!

[BRMan]

Originally Posted by Caa

I heard about the license for homeless, I do not remember what city or state the proposal was in. I heard it on the radio, but the radio dj' s were saying that there is no charge for those licenses. Great idea for sure! I honestly can say I don't see that many panhandlers on those roads, but I think that depends on what time you go!

If you're stuck in traffic by the Interstate exits of College, Bluebonnet, Essen, and the entrance to Target in Siegen during the day, they're doing their thing. Used to be only College was where they solicited.

[Caa]

Is that even legal? Why don't they go somewhere else like New Orleans-they would probably do better!

[linicx]

My 2 cents on the subject: Trash = just too lazy to put it in a bag, and then put the bag in the garbage. Parents cannot teach their children what they did not learn.

[BRMan]

Originally Posted by Caa

Is that even legal? Why don't they go somewhere else like New Orleans-they would probably do better!

I think the issue is lack of consistent enforcement. Plus, after Katrina, those who panhandled in New Orleans migrated up here.

[southland]

Originally Posted by BR_Bound

I have to vent but I'll be quick about it.

I moved to BR earlier this year. Two of the biggest surprises I've had are:

(1) so many people in BR smoke and
(2) so many people throw trash out their car windows.

Both of these things are just unexpected and unhappy surprises. Is it a lack of respect for self and others?

Unfortunately, I notice the same thing.

And what's even worse....the cigarette butts and litter line the city's gutters and street medians and NEVER get cleaned up.

Is it that difficult to run a street sweeper every now and then?

I love this town...but between the casual littering and the city/parish dragging their feet on cleaning up the streets....it's enough to drive a perfectionist crazy.