Is This Switzerland or Miami Dade?

A few years ago, I took my family to Switzerland for a week, after we visited Israel.  We loved the place.  Every cliche was true -- it was clean, and classy, and extremely well run.  If a train schedule said the train left at 3:19, at 3:19 it was rolling.

We loved Israel, of course -- it's our birthright.  Wifey was born there, and I was raised by two proud Zionists.  But D1 and I share a bit of a secret -- if we left the US and had to move somewhere, Switzerland would certainly appeal to us more.  We both appreciate when things work well, and run well.

Saying "Switzerland" has become a family metaphor.  Whenever we encounter a clumsy bureaucracy, I say "What do you expect -- this isn't Switzerland, you know!"

Well, every once in awhile, County government can surprise me.  It happened yesterday.

On Friday, I went on the County web site, and filled out a report about mosquito activity.  Following the much needed rains, our 'hood has become the tropical rainforest it is -- damn things swarming as you walk outside.  I made the report after trying to have a catch up talk with our neighbor Elizabeth -- the tri athlete across the street.  After comically swatting at the pests, we retreated into our houses.

I figured my report, along with the reports urged by our association president Gloria, might get us an aerial spraying.

Instead, the very next business day after my web inquiry -- a truck from the county pulled up -- with three specialists.  They said they were there to spray my yard, and they did.  And the crew chief said if there weren't fewer bugs by Wednesday -- simply call 311 and they'd send someone out AGAIN -- and again, until the mosquito situation was tolerable.

I reported this to Gloria, via email, and being very green she asked me what they sprayed.  DDT -- I wrote back -- stuff really works!  Later I admitted I was kidding -- I had no idea what they used, but they told me to keep the dogs and Wifey inside for a few hours...

Wifey reported last night the bug situation was better.  They were still out there, but not as bad.

I figure I'll call back the Swiss/Miami Bug Guard again Wednesday.  It's nice when you get real service from your government.