Do we really have to sweep?

Having been banned for years, the city is planning to take a serious

stance against leaf blowers.

What are we supposed to do now?

Can’t wash the driveway clean; can’t use a leaf blower. Must we

sweep? Really?

Well, OK, but it takes a lot of effort to get out there and rake,

bag, sweep and bag some more, and it just doesn’t look as nice as a

newly washed driveway.

Not to mention the dust. OK, let’s mention the dust. Sure, leaf

blowers are even more guilty than dry sweeping, but oh, on those hot

dry days, a nice drenching would go so far in keeping the allergies

at bay. Yes, we’re allowed some water use as long as it doesn’t enter

the public right of way, but that just isn’t the same as a satisfying

saturation.

But this is the price we pay. We like living by the ocean, and we

like taking a stroll and a dip now and then without getting some

disease. We also like a peaceful neighborhood where we can sit with

the windows wide open on any given day and entertain or take a nap.

Let’s just make sure it’s fair. If some of us are going to sweep,

sweep and sweep some more, it’s only fair that all of us do.

It’s unfortunate if gardeners are forced out of town because the

work isn’t worth the time, but it is the law and it’s only fair that

all of us follow it. Even an inconvenient law is palatable when it’s

administered justly.