Montanans' say they cherish this land but that isn't completely true. Hamilton has a big trash and junk problem.

Code enforcement does not enforce the law and ordinances of the city. Too passive, which is reflected on many of our streets. I understand some people don't have the means to clean up their properties but their is no effort from the city to provide help.

The rest is pure laziness, some people don't have any pride for the valley or the city. This includes the many slum landlords that take rent money but never improve living conditions for their renters.

Even if you want to clean up you have to haul trash to Bitterroot Disposal. The minimum charge for a little load in a pick up is around $26. Trash pick up is already too high. Can't the city provide some dumpsters for trash clean up for the community? Put them at the city shops where they can be regulated. If Hamilton can't afford that every week we're in big trouble.

I have lived and traveled around the world and have seen the same thing happening here as most old towns. The city and county will begin to invest all attention and funds to the new developments and the old areas will suffer for it. Look at your streets, curbs and gutters, take a drive and really look. Help your city.

— Mike Meatovich, Hamilton