DORI MONSON

Seattle trash: Longtime resident calls city a dump in a less PC way

Mar 21, 2018, 2:54 PM | Updated: Mar 22, 2018, 7:29 am

litter study...

Garbage pile on a city street in Seattle. (MyNorthwest file photo)

(MyNorthwest file photo)

The name of Richard Paddon’s Seattle-based Facebook page can’t be written here. Let’s just say he believes the city he’s lived in his whole life isn’t pleasing to the eye.

RELATED: It’s amazing Pramila Jayapal would say this

Paddon notes a “downward spiral” in the city’s overall state of cleanliness.

“My biggest concern is seeing the filth,” he told KIRO Radio’s Dori Monson. “There is an attack on it by the city, county, and state. But it needs to be far better and far different and thought of in ways outside of the box that I have not seen happen in 24 years.”

Dearborn Street, Paddon says, is an example of what he’s talking about. Filthy water washes into drains and out to Elliot Bay.

“Where are all the kayaks protesting that,” he asked.

Paddon says there is a reason for the growing piles of garbage. The homeless population is one contributing factor. However, he isn’t specifically blaming homeless people for the issue. He says there is a general unwillingness of leaders to take action is another.

Seattle trash

It’s not a problem that is being totally ignored by the city, however. Last year, for instance, Seattle was trying to fill three positions dedicated to cleaning up garbage along the city’s streets and around unsanctioned encampments. More recently, the city began erecting fences under bridges to keep people from camping below them and accumulating garbage.

RELATED: Older women facing ‘silent epidemic’ of homelessness

During his brief time filling in as Seattle mayor, Councilmember Bruce Harrell noted that the city was filthy. He said he wanted to the city to begin a clean up program.

The state, too, cleans up greenways and open spaces along I-5 and other state-operated roadways.

They are notable efforts, with crews sometimes hauling away thousands of pounds of garbage and debris.

Still, more can be done, Padden says.

“We’re all going to go downhill together unless we make a solid turn in this.”

Listen to the entire conversation here.

Dori Monson Show

Dori Monson

Dori Monson stage show...

MyNorthwest Staff

Watch: Dori Monson’s ‘What are the Odds?’ stage show

In 2019, Dori Monson hosted a stage show - 'What are the Odds?' - which introduced you to the people who helped shape his improbable career.

1 year ago

Dori Monson welcomes the Moose back to KIRO. Follow @http://twitter.com/Mynorthwest...

MyNorthwest Staff

A collection of the all-time best Dori Monson stories

With the passing of Dori Monson, a collection of some of his top stories to remember all the hard work Dori brought to Seattle.

1 year ago

Alaska, fishing...

KIRO Newsradio staff

Listen: Friends, colleagues offer tribute to KIRO Newsradio’s Dori Monson

All day Monday, KIRO Newsradio's John Curley talked to friends, news makers, and more in tribute to Dori Monson.

1 year ago

Dori Monson Shorecrest...

Dori Monson Show

How to support charities reflecting Dori Monson’s values, passions

In tribute to Dori Monson, learn more about how you can support these three charities which best reflect his values, passions, and advocacy.

1 year ago

From left, Producer Nicole Thompson and KIRO host Dori Monson. (Courtesy of the Monson family)...

MyNorthwest Staff

Broadcasters, politicians, coworkers and friends remember Dori Monson

Dori Monson, a longtime KIRO Newsradio host, passed away Saturday. He is remembered by public figures, broadcasters, coworkers, and listeners.

1 year ago

Dori Monson...

MyNorthwest Staff

Longtime KIRO Newsradio host Dori Monson dies at age 61

We are deeply saddened to announce Dori Monson's sudden passing on Saturday, December 31, 2022, at a Seattle hospital.

1 year ago

Seattle trash: Longtime resident calls city a dump in a less PC way