A continuing littering problem

While stories in this issue reflect citizen pride in cleaning up and beautifying our county, not everyone exhibits that pride. Chambers County commissioners are dealing with a problem that has long plagued Randolph as well: illegal dumping.

District 3 commissioner Joe Blanks has the largest district by far in road mileage, covering all of northern Chambers County and portions of LaFayette and Lanett. He brought minutes of the previous commission meeting where the problem was discussed to The Leader office on Monday to make us aware of the problem.

It’s not just because The Leader is widely read in much of his district that he brought his concerns here. It’s also because the county’s solid waste officer, Jim Tynes, had found names and addresses in litter at two dump sites, and it appears the litter had come from Randolph County and from Troup County, Ga.

Chambers citizens are complaining to their commissioners about the litter problem. The commissioners are concerned and listening. They are ready to prosecute as they are able to identify the people who are doing the dumping.

Unfortunately, some people don’t have pride in the environment, and prosecution is the only thing that will alter their behavior. This may be the only warning they get.