I find it alarming that the roadside drainage ditches (filled in or not) have not been cleared of debris and weeds. Often, the openings have also been allowed to accumulate so much mud and debris that the drains themselves are stopped up.

For instance, on the short block from SW 160th to SW 159th on 19th Ave. SW, the drain itself is below the ditch. The water remains in the drain and allows for insects (yes, I'm referring to mosquitoes) to maintain their happy homes away from the public eye and only after a very heavy rainstorm does it clear out somewhat -- never completely.

These drains are all on a slope, so they should drain -- but they cannot. There is nowhere for the water to go. I understand that Public Works is very busy and probably has had a cutback on both personnel and budget, but I believe the health of the community needs to be considered.

Basically, all that is needed is some time and a heavy duty "snake" to get the mud and debris out. On the drain I referenced above, the actual ditch needs to be redone, since the ditch is above the current opening.

Elizabeth M. Williams
Seahurst