Source Analysis #3: Edwardsville Man 

What is the issue? 

In an article published by The Intelligencer: Edwardsville, Edwardsville resident Alan Vest had cultivated his yard with native and vegetative plants to attract pollinators, because of numerous citations and reoccurring city violations Vest’s collection of plants were removed by city workers. Vest sought to have his home recognized as a conservation home by HeartLands Conservatory, but failed to properly manage, plan, and maintain his collection of plants. In result his collection of plants did not meet the city ordinance requirements. Although Edwardsville does encourage the pollinators initiative to have native plants in yards, they also recommend that residents who want to contribute should receive information and further assistance at City Hall. 

Was this the right course of action? 

Unfortunately, I do believe that removing the collection of plants from Alan Vest’s yard was the correct approach to handling this issue because of Vest’s failure to comply with various opportunities to create the yard he had imagined. In the article it states that the mayor of Edwardsville even tried to contact Vest to address the proper information and the assistance he needed to attract pollinators and have his home recognized as a conservation home. I do think it is a little concerning that when action was taken Vest thought of this matter as “harassment” and “prejudice” that the city had against him. I think that it is important in matters like this to fully inform the violator about exactly what the violation is not just emphasizing the fact that they aren’t meeting standards and requirements.