You in for Weed? No, no "weeds"

The City of Canton, Ohio, wants to incarcerate high-grass violators.

Apparently, the Canton City Council wants to strengthen its existing high-grass and weeds law by making a second offense a fourth-degree misdemeanor, which is punishable by a fine of up to $250 and up to 30 days in jail.  

The existing law provides that more than 8 inches constitutes high grass or weeds. First-time violators now face a misdemeanor which carries up to a $150 fine and no jail time. The new law was prompted, at least in part, by the City’s Service Director who stated that the city is responsible for mowing about 2,400 lots which  he says costs the City a lot of money. The city spends $225,000 to $250,000 a year on cutting overgrown lots, estimated Councilman Greg Hawk who advocated taking a "hard line" on the issue.  Yes, take a hard line and lock up, clothe, feed and house the landscaping violators; no cost there.

John M. Hanamirian