Among other things, East St. Louis is in dire need of public pronouncement of the proverb, "Cleanliness is next to godliness."

Perhaps such pronouncements by religious, political, education and business leaders and citizens in general who care about the appearance of our city, will generate some degree of pride in uncaring people.

Maybe it would cause them to stop throwing paper, bottles, cans and other debris on our streets, sidewalks, yards and vacant lots.

Unfortunately, too few people in our city will speak out about the practices of people who make our neighborhoods unattractive.

Imagine the impact the pastors of churches could have in changing attitudes and creating pride in parishioners if they would take a few minutes each Sunday to stress the importance and need for keeping neighborhoods clean.

Such actions would certainly be in order, especially since the viability of religion should include efforts to improve one's living conditions. The creation of pride in people is a first step in that regard.

Imagine also the impact education leaders, such as teachers and school administrators would have in creating in youth an awareness of the need for a clean environment if time were allotted in school each day for discussions on how to keep one's surroundings clean.

Local politicians, particularly the mayor and council members, definitely can have a major impact on how people keep their neighborhoods because of their authority to uphold the law.

William E. Mason Sr.

President, Metro East Black Contractors Organization

East St. Louis