This is John Whitmire’s third year as Mayor; he has quit blaming his predecessor for the problems, but he recently blamed the “Staff.” I guess I should be grateful that finally, after nearly a year and three months, the city got around to repairing the water leak on the street I reside on. Recently, one of the TV stations reported on potholes; the “Staff” said 99% of the potholes were repaired within one business day, reported on Friday, fixed on Tuesday. The TV stations found most, which suggests the city is being evasive about meeting its targets.
Heavy Trash
Batting .410 is outstanding in baseball. Completing heavy-trash routes on time only 41 percent of the time is horrible municipal service. Residents put their debris outside according to the city’s schedule, but when Houston fails to collect it, they and their neighbors are left living with the piles.
Tree limbs, discarded furniture, and other junk are unsightly. They can also provide shelter for rats, mice, and snakes. When debris remains for weeks or months, residents face damaged grass, obstructed sidewalks, and places for pests to hide.
Imagine preparing your house for sale. You maintain the yard, clean the property, and welcome prospective buyers—while piles of debris sit on both sides of your home. You cannot control your neighbors’ collection delays, yet your property’s first impression suffers.
Whitmire’s administration has shifted substantial financial burdens onto the utility system. Regular garbage collection has improved, but residents waiting for heavy-trash pickup still need dependable service. If Houston cannot meet its published schedule, it must tell residents before they put their debris outside, provide a realistic collection date, and explain what happens when that date is missed.
A pickup schedule should be a commitment residents can plan around.
