JUDY WEST, Richland

The Benton County Road crew has just left the Richland City property at Jadwin and Stevens. They have been raking up leaves in the cold for two days. I hope people realize what a benefit these people are to city residents.

It is a privilege to be on the work crew rather than in jail. Inmates pay for that benefit but we all receive from their physical labor. Without their effort, the leaves from our 60 year-old sycamores would be feet thick and people would be walking in the street.

It can't be easy to show up for work crew when its dark and be out in the cold. Maybe sitting in jail would be easier but it would cost all of us taxpayers more. I hope the effort they put in keeps them from getting in trouble in the future.