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Subscribe to City LineOctober 9, 2009
From the office of Mayor George Schloegel
This week we moved closer to the creation of an environmental court. This is a very important step for our city. Such a court would respond to abuses against our quality of life, those things we all hold dear, but that are often times issues not suited for our Municipal Court.
For well over a century, most local governments have battled environmentally destructive behaviors through code enforcement and penalty systems in their traditional city courts.
However, those often over-burdened traditional courts are not always successful in ensuring a safe, clean environment, free of disrepair, litter and pollution.
In addition, our traditional court, the Gulfport Municipal Court, is the largest court of its kind in the State of Mississippi, in terms of volume. So adding the charge of environmental responsibility to our Municipal Court is not an option.
With the creation of the Gulfport Environmental Court, quality of life abuses will be prosecuted swiftly and justly, making Gulfport a place we can all be proud of, without slowing progress in our Municipal Court.
Among other things, the new court would hear issues concerning substandard housing, unsafe buildings, abandoned automobiles, neglected and derelict properties, animal control, graffiti and other types of vandalism, construction and fire code violations, sign ordinance violations and the destruction of one of our most cherished resources: our trees.
Another advantage of the Environmental Court would be that violators could be brought to court in a matter of days, rather than their cases sitting in a file cabinet for months.
The creation of this court is essential to cleaning up our city and preserving the quality of life in Gulfport, and we want to thank those in our legal department and building department who have worked diligently to make the Environmental Court a reality. Also, we want to thank the City Council for supporting such an important step in moving Gulfport forward.
This weekend, Cruisin’ the Coast will be in high gear. Peggy and I plan to do a little cruisin’ ourselves, and I hope to see you around town. Enjoy yourself, be safe and have a great weekend.
Sincerely,
George Schloegel
Mayor
Gulfport PAL benefit
What: The Alabama Blues Brothers Tribute Show
When: Saturday, Oct. 24, from 7-11:30 p.m.
Where: Courtyard Marriott Beach Coastal Ballroom, U.S. 90
Details: Concert will follow the Gulf Coast Law Enforcement Awards Banquet. Attorney General Jim Hood will present the Mississippi Gulf Coast Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Award. David Elliott from WLOX will be the master of ceremonies.
For more information, email tchenault@gulfportpal.com.
Cruisin’ The Coast
The week-long classic car party is in its 13th year. There are plenty of things to keep you busy this week. For a complete list of events, concerts and more, click here.
Office of Public Information - rlafontaine@gulfport-ms.gov - Phone: 228-868-5782
P.O. Box 1780 Gulfport, MS 39502-1780 - FAX: 868-5800
