Clean up this filthy city

Fresno: the “armpit of California.” We’ve all heard it, and in the past, I have defended Fresno, but no longer.

This city is filthy, elected officials make promises and excuses, and a good many of the residents show no respect for where they live. They leave garbage where it lands and don’t even pretend to care about the property they live on.

Council members should do their jobs, organize districts and the neighborhoods in the districts and bring pride back to this city.

Am I the only person that believes that this filth is a cancer that spreads and even increases crime?

Form a public-private partnership with government, businesses and nonprofits to clean this place up.

Fresno Mayor Ashley Swearengin should get her public relations team to work partnering with local media to create a public-service campaign. Motivate people and once again take back our deteriorating city.

Fresno looks and feels like a third-world country, and the good news is it can change. All it takes is the will and commitment of government and the people.

Just imagine: instead of always ending up in last place, Fresno actually could be recognized for its high-quality California lifestyle.

This story was originally published July 12, 2015 at 6:47 AM with the headline "Clean up this filthy city."