I was in Hidalgo, Texas last Tuesday with the Texas Tropical Trail organization. We toured the city in a trolley for over an hour.

We were shown the historic part of town, Old Pump House Museum, World Birding Center, Border Fence, Rio Grande River and public parks.

One thing I noticed was the lack of graffiti. I questioned our guide on the trolley, who was also a City Commissioner, why their city was free of this vandalism. Her response was, "There is a city program in place. If a citizen reports a new ugly gang symbol on a fence or building, early enough in the day, by 5:00 that afternoon a city employee will clean it off or cover it up." Also, if the person responsible can be identified they will be prosecuted. Prosecuted, even if they are juveniles.

I just wonder if such a program could be started in Raymondville, and if the City Fathers would vote to begin such a cleanup program? It could be a blessing for home owners, tax payers, churches and property owners in the business district. It could also be an important training tool for good citizenship. The youth of this town need to pull together for Raymondville and not divide the city up into four quadrants and be territorial about their neighborhood. Please ask your City Commissioner if he would please vote this program for our town!

Glenn Harding