What did Mayor Adams think?

I stopped by Piazza San Cosimato today to check out the activities organized as part of Roma Cura Roma, an annual event dedicated to the thousands of volunteers who contribute to solving Rome’s civic problems. Along with the city’s waste management company,  AMA, present were Retake, WWF, Plastic Free, FAI, ACLI, CSV Lazio, AGESCI, MASCI and Legambiente Lazio. Trastevere Attiva often contributes to this part of the city, cultivating green spaces such as the beautiful Cortile di Mica Aurea. Lots of busy volunteers cleaned up the pedestrian zone around the playground and painted over graffiti.

Politicians such as Rome’s Mayor took the opportunity to pose for photos with volunteers and even welcome New York Mayor Eric Adams who happened to be in town. 

As a Roman resident, I was happy to see so many active citizens but embarrassed by the lawlessness which prevails all around Trastevere, especially with regard to automotive infractions. What did Mayor Adams think on seeing cars parked in tow away zones or pedestrian crossings right under the eyes of Rome’s mayor and dozens of law enforcement officers? Would the same happen in New York? 

While it is one thing for organizations like Retake to step in and clean up to help AMA do its job, it’s impossible for volunteers to enforce no parking laws or tow cars. On pointing out the presence of cars in pedestrian zones I was told by the police in no kind words to mind my own business.