Good story and example. I do wonder if the fact that David's wife is an attorney influences any response or lack of response from neighbors who are provided with a copy of 'the law.' I've been amazed at times at the aura of power that is attributed to attorneys--whether justified or not. Just a thought.
I certainly don't doubt the power of an ordinance to facilitate or compel compliance. That's what the ordinance is for. Same would go, I assume, with leaf blowers. I'm not convinced, however, that two-stroke engine leaf blowing has become such a nuisance or problem--over and above what can already be enforced through noise ordinances-- that it requires a governmental response, nor whether it is a city-wide issue. I can be convinced, but I'm not so far. Have consumer and community-oriented efforts been given a chance to work? For example, uniting certain neighborhoods or block groups around the issue and coming up with a plan short of an ordinance. Perhaps enacting a 'ban'--though unenforceable-- in your neighborhood and calling attention to it with some sort of campaign, similar to the pretty effective campaigns around speeding (e.g., "We Live Here--Drive 25"). Establish a community standard or goal that does not include the use of two-stroke engine leaf blowers. Contact the major landscape companies and complain about the use of leaf-blowers in the neighborhood. Say that their use is not welcome and neighbors are going to be educated that the business should be avoided if it continues to use two-stroke engine leaf blowers. Have a list of companies that do not use certain leaf blowers. Work successfully--as some obviously already have--to get manufacturers to switch to electric leaf blowers. Educate your neighbor about the ill-effects of leaf blowers and ask them not to use them--offer a neighborhood-funded 'credit' to get them to switch to electric leaf blowers. I'm wondering if community-oriented solutions and actions have occurred before coming up with a plan to ban. In my work, I'm consistently asked if other means have been tried before trying to enact some sort of legislation. I'd like to think the same standard applies. It's odd the reaction I have to this. I've been called to task off-list for not supporting it, but the truth is I'm just not invested in any way in it other than to ask some questions and outline the not so unusual frustration at the ability to secure action and heat on one issue but not on others seemingly more important. Gregory Luce St. Paul REMINDERS: 1. Think a member has violated the rules? Email the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract ________________________________ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[email protected] Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
