Recently, a resident mentioned the irony of garbage surrounding my campaign sign. A campaign sign promising to improve the quality of life in Palmdale. He was right, and I agree that the trash in our community has to be addressed. It’s one of my top priorities.
Illegal dumping is a crime that reduces property values and threatens the desert eco system. Studies show that the perpetrators are made up of unlicensed contractors, unlicensed junk removal services, and
residents who ignore city codes by refusing to have a waste collection service.
During my current term, we negotiated a contract with Waste Management that included the acquisition of impressive pieces of heavy equipment that scoops up and disposes of large piles of waste. The purchases have been an important step in cleaning up the desert, but we need to do more to stop the crime from occurring in the first place.
My plan includes increasing fines for illegal dumping, identifying residents without waste removal accounts, drafting ordinances that require anyone hiring a contractor or junk removal service to obtain a legitimate disposal receipt, surveillance equipment at known dumping hot spots, and dedicated task forces to identify and prosecute violators.
There is no shortage of citizens who are outraged by the disgraceful and destructive violation of our deserts, but they are frustrated by the lack of follow up and prosecution. I plan to recruit volunteers from the community who would work in cooperation with the city to identify and report violations. Funding for a dedicated attack would come from sources such as grants and increased fines and by shifting budget priorities.
In the meantime, residents are encouraged to keep reporting violations on the My Palmdale app.
Austin Bishop for Palmdale City Council 2024 district 1
fppc# 1470502