Brandt Kile: Clean up 99, improve our image

When you drive on Highway 99 south through Modesto and Salida, take note of the garbage on the ground and the landscape that looks abandoned. Shouldn’t we take the best care of the places most traveled?

I appreciate the construction improvements, but the areas not being worked on should be maintained. I called Caltrans twice and never received a call back, but I have learned that someone was out picking up some trash recently. I’m glad, but they didn’t even put a dent in the problem.

If you decide to get off the freeway in our town, you will most likely be greeted by a transient asking you for money. Why are we accepting this behavior? Shouldn’t we, as a city, control what we can with regard to our image? Where is the pride?

I’m not trying to throw anyone under the bus. I would just like to see a change. I would think that the state Department of Transportation can find people who need to work off fines with community service.

BRANDT KILE

Modesto

This story was originally published December 3, 2013 at 8:02 PM with the headline "Brandt Kile: Clean up 99, improve our image."