Welcome!

In celebration of my 1 year anniversary in Code Enforcement I have decided to share some of the gems of my job.  I hope you enjoy reading about my adventures as much as I enjoy experiencing them.

Here are some things to keep in mind as you read this blog:

I am fairly familiar with and comfortable with all things related to sanitation.  I have worked for the department since 2004 in various capacities and have been a Code Enforcement Inspector since April 5, 2021.  I am proud to have gotten the second highest score on my civil service exam.  I am even more proud that the top two scores were earned by females considering the field tends to be male dominated.  

My dad retired after 42 years in the business and served as Superintendent of Sanitation at the largest municipality in the nation.  He was also the Deputy Mayor of our village and served as the Commissioner of Public Works there for many years.  Other family members including uncles, cousins, and my brother in law have worked for sanitation as well.  You might say that garbage runs in my blood...and I am damn proud of the legacy I am a part of.

For better or worse, I have (unintentionally) dated garbage men from other districts which has broadened my perspective on all things trash and how it is handled outside my own area.  *Disclaimer: I would not recommend this as the best way to learn how special districts or village sanitation departments operate.  You can probably just call a manager if you need that sort of information.  

I talk about garbage way too much outside of work and the fact that I still have friends is nothing short of a miracle.  Last summer, I was at a backyard bridal shower and got caught up talking to the future groom about what he could and could not compost in his new bin while most people chatted excitedly about venues, dresses, hair and drinks.  I would have broken out a Power Point presentation on eco-friendly garden practices if given the chance.  Last weekend, I hosted a game night and got caught up talking to the same man about the best practices for disposing of cardboard.  Safe to say, I am not exactly the 'life of the party' type and do not know how to interact in the world unless it somehow relates to trash.  

There is a difference between trash, garbage and rubbish and even though I know the difference I will use the terms interchangeably, so I apologize if that irks you.