Obscenity in Riva
I live in Riva, in a lovely, shady section of diverse homes of varying value, leading to the shores of the beautiful South River. I have rejoiced over the homes which have been rehabilitated on our street.
But as I turned the corner into my community I saw a blue fabric, I thought, rising about 20 feet into the air. When I stopped to look at what seemed to be caught in the tree I realized that “blue fabric” was a flagpole screwed into a large, tall tree. From it was a flag, flapping in the breeze with “TRUMP – (obscenity) YOUR FEELINGS” written on it.
While I respect others’ opinions I cannot help but feel this was an attempt to stir up trouble — not good trouble. My immediate response was anger. I felt embarrassed that such an entrance into our community — displayed for all to see — was unwelcoming.
I am saddened to see the use of such words in the face of young people in the community. I just wonder what the residents of the community must feel about this crude protest use of their First Amendment right.
But this letter is the registration of my First Amendment right.
I would ask these people to use their words, but perhaps there is no message beyond frustration. Please think about the message that you deliver to others. Hear them as we hear you. We cannot heal without constructive dialogue, and to date, I have heard no constructive platform or dialogue beyond hate and contempt for others, unlike yourselves.
It seems to me that the reason for bumper stickers and campaign flyers is to gain visibility for a candidate. Your marketing this huge flag does not sway me to vote with you – only the opposite.
JUDITH CROCKETT
Riva
Enforcement in Annapolis
After reading Suzanna Fox’s letter regarding excessive enforcement for a refuse violation, I’d like to respond (The Capital, July 28).
First, I understand that just a notice of violation was given, not the fine which was stated. Regardless, the inspector, Mary Emrick, was just doing her job of enforcing the City Code. Unfortunately, some businesses seem to interpret this law as onerous and unfair.
They may be unaware of the potential impact it has on the city so allow me to explain. The code reads, “Commercial solid waste shall not be set out for collection earlier than 11:00 p.m. the night preceding a scheduled collection day. Approved refuse containers from commercial establishments shall be removed from public view immediately following collection.”
The City Code goes further under food establishments which reads, “It is the establishment’s responsibility to ensure that garbage and waste material set outdoors for collection shall be collected no later than eight a.m. each collection day in the Historic District.” These requirements are in turn issued as regulations to city-approved haulers.
There are obvious reasons. No pedestrian should be walking in between refuse containers or seeing or smelling refuse during the day and evening dining hours. But more importantly, with the high density of food establishments downtown, this trash could easily attract rodents which is what we don’t want. With the Recovery Zone and increase of outside diners it is more important than ever for our businesses to follow the code.
So, yes it may be difficult to come in early or late, to put out and take in your refuse container respectfully, but each business needs to do their part in keeping downtown clean and viable for these basic reasons as well as preserving pride in our historic downtown.
The city will assist any business in finding an approved hauler to meet these requirements.
Alderwoman ELLY TIERNEY
Annapolis
