David R. Roefaro, Mayor

City of Utica, New York

The Mayor sent a Letter to every official on the Common Council last Wednesday. Here is the text of that letter:

September 3, 2008

Dear Councilmember,

The City of Utica is at a crossroads. We've reached a point where we can't clean up the litter, and the garbage, as fast as citizens can dump it. We are living in a city where people litter at will, with full disregard for the laws, other citizens, and our city.

I am requesting a meeting to address this issue. It is my mission, to as soon as possible, enact the maximum penalties for littering, both financially and legally. In addition to this, we need to make our case to the court system, so they enact these tougher penalties and fines on those with no regard for anything.

Together, we can end the vicious cycle of litter in the city. By hitting violators deep in their pockets, we will clean this city once and for all. I ask for your support, your suggestions, and your efforts to green our city.

We can't go green without every citizen doing their part. Truly, we are in this together.

Sincerely,

David R. Roefaro

Mayor

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After sending that letter, Mayor Roefaro took to some streets with the Codes Department, and brought his message to those who haven't yet heard the news. Almost two dozen, '3 days to clean it up or face a large fine' notice and orders were issued yesterday afternoon.

Despite the large number of notice and orders issued, the city can't hold anyone accountable for the pictures at the bottom of this page because the litter is all along the road.

It's disgusting. Much of the garbage was fresh, as in meals that weren't finished from area stores. Well, the City of Utica and this office are not taking it anymore. We're watching, we're waiting, and we're ready to fine you and take all those who litter on, where it hurts, in the pocket.

So, take a look at what the city is up against. We clean it EVERYDAY. It's a vicious cycle of disrespect, and disregard for this very planet.

We ask for the community's help. If you find litter pick it up. If you see people littering, call them out.

In the mean time, Mayor Roefaro is working with the Council to bring a plan of action that will change this situation.

This is the first step in our comprehensive initiative to address the long standing deficiencies in the codes department.  

It's going to take time, but progress is being made each and everyday, and yesterday is an example of that……

The Street Sign Says It ALL......