Letter to the editor: Work to maintain Sumter's cleanliness never gets done

I used to be proud to say I was from Sumter. Not anymore.

Sumter used to be a well-maintained city. Not anymore.

One of the first impressions formed in your mind entering a city is its cleanliness. I've been told by a new resident that Sumter is the dirtiest city they have ever lived in.

When I grew up in Sumter, all city streets were edged by the city at least once a year, streets were swept when needed, and yard debris was picked up. Not anymore.

Today the quality of street maintenance provided by the city depends on the location of the street. If the location of the street doesn't meet the city's criteria, it is denied service.

Simple street sweeping is like the neighborhood broken windows theory. First the streets don't get swept, then trash and debris start piling up, building repairs are neglected, crime increases, and the cycle continues.

I am no longer proud to be from the City of Sumter. Time passes, city money is spent, city employees get paid, city equipment gets purchased, but the work never gets done.

DAVID PEEPLES

Sumter