The Never Ending Request for DC Services

What used to be a well manicured garden at the corner where our building resides is now a heap of weeds and twelve inch grass that has turned to hay. Because that garden and the adjoining lawn and shrubs belong to the city, it is their responsibility to keep it in check - a most unfortunate circumstance. About six weeks ago I went to the on line request for DC service site and initiated a request to clean this place up. Because I have done it so many times before, it was clearly stated that the area was next to our building and not across the street from it. When I finally received an email today notifying me that the job was completed, I didn't believe it. When I went home for lunch it was clear that the island across the street was done and the area next to the house looked even worse than usual. I know I shouldn't get frustrated about it, but it's just plain annoying that even the simplest things can't get done around here. So what else is new? This request usually takes about three tries to finally get right. I think that's thought of as efficient and productive in this town. 

DC Taxes and Service Requests

Two things are for certain as they say - death and taxes. Twice a year we receive the obnoxious letter in the mail letting us know it is a privilege to pay for property tax. We know most things that arrive in the snail mail are generally items we dislike - junk mail and bills that can't or aren't sent on line. I like the way it is spelled out in several languages. But at least rather than having to write a check, you can pay for it on line using the on line banking system. The property taxes in Milwaukee were quite steep compared to what we pay in DC. But our home is considerably smaller here. And I do have to say the services in Milwaukee were far superior to the services we receive here. It's always a chore to get something done around here. Some routine maintenance shouldn't require reminders. I guess we wouldn't mind paying taxes if we felt we got something out of it. Let's see how long it takes for the grass to be mowed, the garden bed to be weeded, and the hedges to be trimmed on the city property adjacent to our building. I sent a request last week asking for the work to get done and received a tracking email soon after. That unsightly mess makes the building look tacky sitting right next to it. Based on that alone the property value should decrease, but I doubt if the taxes would.