You've got to pitch them to clean up Youngstown

Before he sentences two Youngstown men who pleaded no contest to charges of littering and deposit of trash, rubbish or garbage, Municipal Court Judge Robert A. Douglas Jr. may want to take a tour of the city. If Judge Douglas does, he'll find neighborhoods that are in such filthy condition he will be inspired to sentence the men to jail.
It should not matter to the judge that Harold Wesson of 3119 Neilson Ave. and Occie Berger of 2021 Jacobs Road are first-time offenders. An example should be made of them -- and of the five other city residents who pleaded innocent to violating the city's housing code (if they're found guilty.)
A first-offense conviction carries a penalty of up to 90 days in jail and a $750 fine; second and subsequent convictions mean up to 180 days in jail and a $1,000 fine.
Alan Glass of 1220 Augustine Ave. is facing his second charge since February. A trial for the February violation is scheduled for Tuesday.
Glass' name is a familiar one in the building inspector's office. He was convicted of housing violations or littering in 2001, 2002 and 2003. It is clear he has no respect for the law, his neighbors or his community.
The four other men who have dates in court are Clifton L. Adams of 1119 Norwood Ave., Arthur Triplett of 2723 Dearborn St., Richard Heipel of 3046 Winton Ave., and Larry J. Lee of 2759 Dearborn St.
These aren't just cases of overgrown grass or garbage from trash bags ripped open by animals.
Refrigerators, broken bikes, furniture, tires, junker cars and construction debris are some of the items listed on police reports.
Shock to the system
The appearance of Youngstown is not only a shock to the system of visitors, it has become a major complaint from residents attending the "Youngstown 2010" community meetings now being held in the wards.
The Youngstown 2010 initiative will culminate in the long-term plan of action for the city.
Some members of city council have heard their constituents' pleas and have organized neighborhood cleanups.
But unless the scofflaws clearly understand that violating the city's housing ordinance is just as egregious as breaking any other law, the attitude of such individuals will not change.
It has been clear for a long time that some Youngstown residents have no pride in the community and have little regard for the appearance of their neighborhoods. They need an attitude adjustment.
Time behind bars and steep fines will, at the very least, cause them to think twice before again turning their properties into junk yards.
Accompanying a Page 1 story headlined "City cracks down on junk" in Tuesday's Vindicator were two pictures of Glass' home on Augustine Avenue. The pictures could easily have been of some Third World slum -- minus the automobiles. Therein lies the problem.
Not only does Youngstown have to overcome its reputation as a haven for drug gangs and contend with a declining tax base and a mediocre public school system, it must deal with the perception of many outsiders that it is a city beyond repair.
The seven men who were charged recently with violating the housing code, and others like them, are responsible for this perception. All law-abiding, proud, caring Youngstown residents should demand that they be punished to the full extent of the law.