Commissioner Says Litter Forum Was A Positive First Step

Commissioner Tony Braswell (right) was the co-chair of an anti-litter forum held this week at the Johnston County Agricultural Center in Smithfield. Braswell said a number of great ideas were suggested by the public. A second forum is expected to be held in July or August.

Nearly 50 people attended a forum this week with county commissioners to discuss ways to curb the growing problem of litter. Commissioner Tony Braswell, co-chair of the anti-litter forum, said there were a lot of great ideas and suggestions presented. Braswell said since the media began covering the litter problem a month ago, he believes some improvements can already be seen, but more are needed. Commissioners are looking at a number of ideas, including one suggestion to educate elementary and middle school students about the litter problem, which in turn will help educate their parents. Officials were also made aware there were no easily identifiable signs in Johnston County showing the fines for littering. Braswell said more publicity for littering penalties is also needed. Braswell, who co-chaired the forum with Commissioner Ray Woodall, said he hopes the county can have an anti-litter plan in place before the Department of Transportation’s annual clean up in late-September. Commissioners would also like to form a citizens committee to continue with the anti-litter campaign. The board plans to hold their next forum on the litter problem in July or August, Commissioner Braswell said.