"it’s odd that no one here is unhappy with them – only with the mayor for the state not doing their job"

Actually, the first two comments both cast blame on the state for ignoring Fort Smith. Then two posts brought up the mayor's role in the matter. I don't see how that equates to everyone being happy with the state. In this case, without further details or a complete accounting from the highway department on follow-up, I believe the mayor did the right thing.

Although, Jo Jo is right, if you travel down any major thoroughfare maintained by the city, they aren't exactly making the state look bad in comparison. For example, check out the nice newer sidewalks along Phoenix partly overgrown with weeds and scattered trash. Or the weeds sprouting out of cracked sidewalks along older parts of Rogers, Towson or Midland. Small beans compared to bigger issues, but little things like that contribute to the perception of Fort Smith being "trashy", along with the ubiquitous crooked utility poles and metal shack pole barns.

I understand the city is stretched financially. Perhaps I should just shut up, pick up my weed whacker and a can of weed killer and get to work.

It is perplexing that only now has Mr. Shipman spoken up about "partnering" with the city to resolve this issue. Numerous people have complained about 540 to the all too opaque and powerful state highway department, myself included, without any such feedback in the past. Typically, highway spokesman Mr. Glenn Bolick will explain how the department is underfunded and in need of additional revenue, end of story.

I would greatly appreciate a local "town hall" with the state highway department to discuss all these outstanding matters with the citizens of Fort Smith. If not, perhaps The City Wire could arrange an interview with Mr. Shipman.

As for paving the state-maintained highways through the city, I believe we already took over that responsibility when it comes to Towson and Midland - because they were/are in such pathetic condition. I also believe there are similar arrangements in Northwest Arkansas when it comes to Highway 71-Business.