Like too many other American cities, particularly up and down the East Coast, Baltimore has been experiencing more than its fair share of troubles over the past few years. Problems with gang violence, particularly among the city’s youth have been endemic, worsened in many instances by entrenched corruption in the municipal government. Population levels have been falling as people flee the area for presumably safer communities elsewhere. All of these negative factors have been compounded by adverse weather systems, straining budgets to their limits. But now Baltimore is striking back. Which of these problems will they tackle first? None of them, of course. Instead, Charm City has determined that they can address the city’s woes by banning gas-powered leaf blowers. No, that wasn’t a typo. (Baltimore Sun)
The Baltimore City Council voted 10-5 to ban gas-powered leaf blowers Monday…