How landfills, local laws, and civic engagement shape our communities, and why your voice matters.
Landfills today usually find themselves in low-income or poverty-stricken areas. None of us
want one in our front or back yard, but all of us want to get rid of our trash. What do we do
with it? Short answer, reduce the need for them by reducing the amount of trash we send
to one. I know, easier said than done. Right? Did you know almost 99% of Sweden’s
household waste is recycled or converted into energy. They utilize high efficiency waste-to-
energy plants to generate electricity and district heat for 100s or thousands of homes.
Today we are seeing issues arise, communities are starting to be concerned and
are talking about issues. What do you think about landfills? Should every county have
their own or should they be regional? Are there health or environmental concerns or
impacts from landfills? How can we reduce the impact ourselves?
Ordinances, codes, and zoning. What if buying a home or piece of property no longer
just meant looking at how the crime rate is, the school ratings, jobs, commute time or just
esthetic of the area? Imagine needing to review all the ordinances, codes and zoning
rules for what you are looking at before you decide to purchase. If you buy a home or land
inside a HOA managed community you accept those rules and regulations that they have
because it aligns with how and what you expect while living in that community. For
example, these rules may dictate what your yard decoration can look or be like, how your
yard is mowed, what color your door can be, or when you can have a cookout in your back
yard. But you knew that and agreed to it because that is the safety and security you are
willing to have in place of freedom. Do you think cities or counties should be treated like
an area wide HOA? Ordinances, codes, and zoning are supposed to protect the public’s safety, health, and be in the best interest of the public at large. It’s true there are a lot of these that protect, safeguard, give instructions, and guidance in order to protect our property and health. However, if
they are not equally applied or enforced on every resident what good are they? What good is it if you don’t enforce the rule that took so much time and resources to create? When do these become over burdensome to property owners? Is it ok to lose your paid for property that you owe no taxes on, just
because it gets slammed with fines and fees imposed by not complying with a code or ordinance that you do not agree with in relevance to your private property? How much are you aware of that goes on at
your city, county or state level government? There are issues, bills, codes, ordinances, businesses, events, and so on that are being made, created or coming to an area near you and you have no idea. Some, or all of these mentioned can and will affect you in some way.
How involved and knowledgeable are you in what’s going on? Do you trust your leaders to let you know? Do you still trust that they are making decisions with you in mind? I made a few statements and asked a lot of questions. I asked so many because I want you to start thinking and speaking up. These are questions that if you are not thinking about or answering then you have given up what power you have left. Don’t do that, retain it, get involved and become engaged, stay up to date on current events and what is going on around you. If you stop looking and asking questions, then the leaders and law makers
become more and more removed from transparency and accountability. You give up your power as, the people. Pick up a newspaper or open that digital version of one, attend public meetings, watch them online, and call your representatives. From time to time take a trip to visit Frankfort and other
areas where your elected officials congregate.
Just remember use it or lose it.” Like muscles, if we stop using them, they slowly disappear. Sometimes we don’t realize it until it is too late. Our rights and freedoms are like those muscles we tend to neglect and take for granted or become complacent with. We think they will always just be there, until they are not. I hope for those of you that take the time to read this, that you have been inspired, encouraged or motivated to stay and become more informed and engaged. Just exercise your civic rights and duties afforded to you by the founders of this great nation. Take a moment to leave a comment, give your answer to one or all of the questions or just leave your thoughts. This is how a difference is made, people reading and talking to each other.
One final thought…John 3:16. Do you know Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior? If not, I ask you to seek Him. Invite Him into your life and your heart.
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