One problem that needs addressing is the parking of multiple vehicles or large industrial vehicles at a residence, turning a neighborhood into an unsightly commercial parking lot.

The Covington City Council responded to this effort by actually recommending that its ordinance dealing with parking oversized vehicles or parking excess vehicles at residential properties should be watered down.

This attempt has been led by Councilman Keith Dalton who has a home-based business. He should have excused himself from discussions on this issue.

The city has since suspended enforcement of its existing parking ordinance after discovering a glitch in the law that actually makes it illegal to park any vehicle weighing in excess of 2,000 pounds at your home. That weight limit applies to all but the smallest compacts on the road!

Another issue facing Newton County residents is an abundance of neglected, foreclosed properties.
If you drive through many of our communities, you will see house after house with overgrown weeds and broken windows. These empty homes attract squatters who add to the trash, which in turn attracts rats and other wild animals.

Many of these empty homes are now owned by banks, mortgage companies or investors. We would like to see ordinances enacted or enforced that would impose heavy fines if these businesses don't do the right thing and properly maintain their properties.

We feel for the neighbors, who take the time and show the pride of ownership in the upkeep of their properties. They have little or no recourse to challenge the banks and mortgage companies which own these eyesores.
One thing that keeps people going in difficult times is their pride, and that takes a hit when banks and mortgage companies neglect their properties.

If our community loses its pride, we will be in serious trouble.

City and county officials either jointly or separately need to take some action that will restore pride to our neighborhoods.