So we got together here at LSMP and put a few items down on paper. Items that we think will lead the discussions in the year ahead for the business of grounds management.

As such, if you see a particular subject you would like to see more of or that you wish to get your two cents in on, please feel free to contact LSMP and let us know what you are thinking. If we missed a topic, lets us know that as well . . .

While some of the topics are as hot in the mainstream as they are in the business, I doubt you will hear the big names out there adding all of them to their stump speeches . . . Although maybe, just maybe they should . . .

First of all there is the issue of Water.

Remember, as the big names run for the presidency, there will be a horde of smaller names running for this and that around your state. It will be important to make sure they know about the leadership role Landscape Superintendents are taking in conserving this precious resource, all the while helping to keep the planet green.

And while the politicians are moving their lips anyway, how do they feel about allowing landscape professionals the Use of Pesticides to kill those pesky tree-eating bugs?

Sure DDT made a few hawk eggs brittle but it sure kept the pests away . . .

Now, almost as soon as a chemical is released someone is reasoning that it should be bottled up and stored away . . . Is this an issue of laissez-faire, environmentalism or just politics as usual?

Maybe it?EUR??,,????'?????<

Is your candidate on your employer?EUR??,,????'?????<

Another hot topic would be Immigration.

Late last year I wrote a column for landscapearchitect.com challenging the ANLA for its stance on hiring seasonal help. My position is that regardless of the time needed, the correct paperwork needs to be completed and processed before hiring someone with questionable immigration status. The ANLA blasted back, to which LSMP quickly responded?EUR??,,????'?????<

I will say that in the aftermath I received a well-thought-out letter from ANLA president Bob Dolibois. While there is not room to discus the content in this month?EUR??,,????'?????<

And of course, every politician speaks about Balancing the Budget.

This topic of economic concern hits home in many ways. Will the cities be using up their landscape budgets paying down their debt or will the interest relief help the governments as much as it will help the populace? Will the fed and states be taxing away the money your establishment is counting on from the citizen who would normally be using that money to access your place of business?

Will there be even greater taxes and restrictions on fuel sources that will continue to eat into your budgets or force you to purchase alternative equipment? Should you be doing that anyway?

Well these are just a few of the issues affecting your trade in the year(s) ahead.

The point is, that whatever issues you feel most strongly about, now is a great time to bring them into the realm of public discussion. One of the great things about America is that we get to vote and who knows what promises will be given to get your votes . . .

Just some food for thought . . . Or to choke on . . .

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