The city of Viroqua sent representatives to members of the Amish community in an attempt to see what can be done to limit the amount of horse manure left around the city.

They didn’t send the police department.

The mayor, the assistant city administrator and an alderman went to speak with an Amish elder to discuss the matter and find some sort of solution. A solution that was acceptable and civil.

What was the city’s motivation? It has received complaints that horse manure is left in the city. Some city residents don’t like seeing piles of horse manure lying around.

To suggest an Amish buggy stop in traffic to scoop up horse manure is not reasonable. However, it is fully reasonable to suggest that a horse owner, who hitches up a horse for a period of time, be responsible for shoveling up whatever has been deposited before moving on.

Countless other communities have agreements with Amish populations to do just this. Some that don’t have friendly agreements require, by law, that horses to have a sling or apron that catches the manure. Some, by law, require horses to wear diapers.

Dog owners walk through Viroqua with little baggies in their hand. Horse owners are being asked to be somewhat similarly responsible. In trying to find a solution to this, the city has not been overbearing.

Still, there are people with a mindset that is, "We’ve got bigger fish to fry then making Amish pick up horse manure!"

The logic with that appears sound. There are many more important issues. However, it’s flawed. It’s wrong to suggest that government put on blinders. City officials are supposed to address complaints. What is needed is discretion.

The way the city approached the Amish -- open, honestly trying to mutually work out an agreement — should be applauded.

The issue regarding horse manure is just one issue -- one of countless similar matters handled by members of municipal governing bodies.

Each election cycle we often have a majority of candidates running unopposed. Those who don’t like something that’s happening in local government can do their civic duty and run for office.