American City and County

Mayor takes out the trash

Portsmouth, Ohio, resident Janice Shanks, frustrated by a mix-up of the trash pick-up schedule after the Labor Day holiday, decided to take her garbage out — and into her mayor's office

There may be some trash talking in local politics, but last week in Portsmouth, Ohio, it got real. Portsmouth resident Janice Shanks, frustrated by a mix-up of the trash pick-up schedule after the Labor Day holiday, decided to take her garbage out — and into her mayor's office, according to the Associated Press (AP).

Shanks carried two bags of refuse into Portsmouth Mayor David Malone's office on Friday morning. She told the media that she had more garbage than normal because of a holiday family get-together, and the lack of collection put her in "a real pickle."

Malone accepted the trash and planned to take it to the city's waste disposal department, according to AP. The mayor said certain routes were skipped over the holiday so the city could avoid paying overtime for the holiday work, but there was confusion over how notice was sent out to residents.

Get the latest information on government trends, policies, best practices and case studies.

Join American City and County on Twitter

It’s all about "connectivity" – the connection between government and its citizens, and the real and perceived benefits that arise from that. Governments manage more effectively and efficiently through greater public input and feedback.

on Apr. 27, 2012
AC&C Newsletters
Used Equipment - Buy, Sell, Save!

Connect With Us