Where is the pride in Starbuck?

From Gene Rossum,

Starbuck

After reading Ms. Mulcahy letter in the August 14 issue, I was incredibly happy to see that someone else sees what I see.  Many of the homes seem to be occupied by people who do not seem to be concerned about the appearance of their property.  There are businesses as well as home that think it is proper to store old inoperative vehicles, boats and other equipment and junk on their property in full view of everyone who goes by. There are city ordinances against most of the things I am talking about, but those ordinances are not being enforced.

Ms. Mulcahy did not mention the state of the sidewalks, curbs, and gutters. Weeds are growing everywhere.  In the seams and joints of the curb, and in the seams and edges of the sidewalks. Some weeds are higher than the mailbox. There are sidewalks on both sides of South Wollan street, but neither side is in good enough repair to walk on, and there are sections of them missing. They have deteriorated due to trees pushing up part of the sidewalk, weeds growing in the walk and general lack of care by the property owner and the city.

As I drive through other small towns such as Glenwood, Lowry, Long Prairie, Garfield, Brandon, and Elbow Lake, I see such things being much better controlled and those towns look like the residents have some pride in their community.  Where is the pride in Starbuck? I do not see how a potential home buyer would buy a house in Starbuck if they drove around the town and were to observe the blight as Ms. Mulcahy called it.