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Legislature eyes Spotsy lawns Date published: 3/2/2010
BY CHELYEN DAVIS RICHMOND --If you live in Spotsylvania and you're especially slack about mowing the lawn, the county could soon have something to say about it.The state Senate yesterday approved a bill that adds Spotsylvania County to the list of localities allowed to pass ordinances regarding grass cutting. Stafford County is already one of the counties on the list. The law would apply to grass or lawn areas that are less than half an acre, and would kick in once the grass is a foot tall or higher. Violations of the ordinance could earn the landowner a civil penalty of up to $100. The bill was put in by Del. Bobby Orrock, R-Caroline, who said he normally votes against such bills himself, believing them to cross the line between the powers of government and individual rights. As a rule, Orrock said, "Government doesn't have any business telling me I've got to cut my grass." But, he said, Spotsylvania's supervisors asked him to put in the bill, and so he complied. Orrock said Spotsylvania's population is growing, and he recognizes that "outward appearances do impact on everyone in the community" and their property values. His bill passed the House 75-23, and also ran into some opposition in the Senate, where it nearly died before being revived and passed by a 31-8 vote yesterday. Orrock said most of the opponents probably felt the way he did about government intrusion. "I respect their opinion. I used to be with 'em," he said. Sen. Edd Houck, D-Spotsylvania, said he might have a conflict of interest on the bill "since I don't keep my grass cut too well." The bill inspired some bad puns during the brief Senate discussion yesterday. "This is a weeds bill. Let's wade through it," said Sen. Louise Lucas, D-Portsmouth, introducing Orrock's bill and a similar bill for Winchester. "We certainly mowed those bills down today" said Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling after the vote. Chelyen Davis: 540/368-5028
What about those poor poor people you mention but let me ask you this questions but before I ask you that question let me ask you this one first. How long does it take for grass to grow to be over 12" tall? Now when you answer that one answer this one as well. How often to those people you mentioned normally cut there grass? Do you think they would normally only cut there grass every 4 or 6 weeks or so? Maybe they are the ones in the first place that is causing Spotsy to consider this.
can go over there and cut it for them. Rulez is Rulez!
What going to happen to the property owner who lives bythem selves, and can't phyically do this job, and lives on a fixed income.
be able to fine the county for there gass they do not mow?
how about on the state roads if we mow there gass that they down will we be paid by the hr?
With all the problems at the national, state and local levels with the poor economy, our elected officials in Richmond feel compelled to worry about how tall the grass is in Spotsylvania. The next thing they'll have to do is standardize the measuring device that will be used to accurately tell when the grass is too tall. Oh wait, maybe one of the out of work math teachers could take on that job. I'm disappointed with the folks in Richmond that spent time on this one.
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