Mayor challenges Boston residents to sweep up city

Mayor Martin J. Walsh told a gathering of North End businessmen this morning his big dreams for the city include hosting the NCAA Final Four, but not sweeping under the rug the sections of Boston that are downright filthy.

The citys street sweepers officially emerged from hibernation today, but as part of his two-week Boston Shines campaign kicking off later this month in West Roxbury, Jamaica Plain, Roxbury, Allston and Brighton, Walsh is asking every man, woman and business owner to grab a broom and a dust pan, roll up their sleeves and pitch in.

I do think people should sweep in front of their house and I do think businesses should sweep in front of their business. It shouldnt be the sole responsibility of the city to clean the streets. People should take pride in their neighborhoods. People should take pride in their businesses and help us in keeping the streets clean, and dont be throwing litter out windows and throwing it in the gutters, Walsh said after telling a North End Chamber of Commerce breakfast at the Fairmount Battery Wharf Hotel some parts of Boston (are) filthy.

You know, everyone lives there, including the person causing the litter, Walsh said later.

Asked by the Herald how he will respond to any resistance, What are my taxes for? Walsh said. Go out and sweep in front of your gutter. Its not that hard. I do it. Other people do it. Taxes arent just there for street cleaning. Taxes are there for public safety. Taxes are there for educating kids. Taxes are there to make sure the water and sewer is running properly. Taxes are there to make sure all city services keep moving forward.

I dont know its solely the responsibility of city government to clean the streets, he said, so Id ask people to take some pride and clean in front of their house.

Walsh told chamber members hes also open to spreading citywide same-day trash and recycling services already working out in the South End. Im not afraid to change, he said.

Citywide beautification is key to Walshs assurance to Little Italys entrepreneurs his freshman administration is keenly focused on tourism, which he said trails only medical care and education as Bostons biggest industry.

In addition to a late-night task force Walsh said is already exploring creating a culture around nightlife, 24-hour gyms and persuading younger generations not to leave Boston when they marry and start families, the mayor is forming an arts and culture cabinet and an Office of Sports, Entertainment and Special Events.

The latter will be tasked with attracting to Boston major events like the Final Four, professional sports all-star games and U.S. Figure Skating championships.

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Mayor challenges Boston residents to sweep up city