Raleigh City Councilman Thomas Crowder – like Barney Fife – wants to nip it in the bud.

He’s targeting a problem that “is drastically affecting the quality of life” in the Capital City.

Gangs? Drugs? Overcrowded schools? Traffic congestion?

No. Trash cans that – in Crowder’s opinion – are being left on curbsides too long.

According to The News & Observer, the City Council has devoted “months of scrutiny” to this crisis.

The Council finally made a decision this week, apparently over Crowder’s vehement protests. The Council decided you must roll carts out no earlier than noon the day before collection and roll them back no later than 7 p.m. the day after.

Crowder thought that is far too long. He wanted all cans in by 8 a.m. the day after collection.

Thank goodness somebody is paying attention to the serious problems facing Raleigh.

I propose that the City turn over enforcement of the trash-can limits to the same friendly, pleasant people who enforce downtown parking limits.