I would like to comment on Mr. Scarborough’s article concerning litter problems in Natchez.

As a property owner on Southwind Road, I was forewarned about the litter problems, but I loved the area and decided I could live with the situation. After a year of being constantly trashed, I began calling the county, requesting more cleanup, anti-littering signs and tickets for littering. They were very sympathetic, but offered little help, stating that litter was everywhere in Natchez and that Southwind Road was no worse than other Adams County roads. The county usually picks up trash once a month, and this past month on a mile and a half stretch I counted 40 orange bags of trash, not counting the two black garbage bags I filled up in front of my house.

I wonder if a recycling plan would help stop blatant acts of littering, of if law enforcement needs to spend some of our tax dollars patrolling rural areas and writing tickets. Last I heard, it was a $250 fine for littering. I’ll wager that the sheriff’s office could earn a week’s pay in just one day on Southwind Road, writing tickets. I asked the county to place anti-littering signs on our road, but was told the signs were costly and would be destroyed by vandalism or theft.

Recently, someone said that littering wasn’t so bad, at least it was providing jobs. Well, it seems to me this could be a real good job with great benefits. Plus, a new patrol car could be purchased with littering tickets. Look at the benefits Ferriday has received due to their increase in speeding fines.

Speaking of fines, the speed limit on Southwind Road is 25 miles per hour. Just think of the possibilities of writing a speeding ticket and littering ticket at the same time.

Are the schools involved in programs teaching children that being a litterbug is trashy and disrespectful? Is it possible that antilittering campaigns could be incorporated with D.A.R.E., anti-smoking and drug programs, as well as buckle-up laws? Littering will stop when people are held accountable for their actions by issuing fines or community service, i.e., picking up trash on the highways.

In my opinion, law enforcement must step up and begin enforcing all the laws, children must be taught by example and antilittering programs at school should be mandatory. Maybe non-profit organizations could promote anti-litter campaigns, or volunteer to clean up sections that are eyesores. Everyone should be a part of the solution not the problem. Put a litter bag in your car and keep your trash to yourself.

Liz Nations

Natchez resident