Cigarette butts in the street, degradation and shame

A reader responds to the invitation launched by the Corriere with the Manifesto for Milan initiative

Dear Director, I would like to be a proactive citizen and sign up to the Milan Manifesto, starting with small things. First: avoiding throwing trash, paper, and cigarette butts in the street. It's a sign of civility.
As a citizen, I feel a sense of shame for the degradation into which Milan has been allowed to fall, and I believe that certain things could be avoided, starting with ourselves, to reverse the trend toward barbarism. My ten commandments are simple and practical. Here they are.
Avoid parking on sidewalks and in restricted areas. Avoid making unnecessary noise at night. Help dependents cross the street. Always pick up dog waste. Be polite and respectful of other passengers on public transportation, leaving your seat for the elderly and disabled, and do not throw trash on the pavement. That said, everyone's cooperation is essential. Caretakers must clean the sidewalks adjacent to the buildings they supervise. Cyclists and motorcyclists must obey traffic lights and road markings and avoid riding on sidewalks.
Public officials must respect their working hours, perform their duties diligently, and, when in contact with the public, behave with courtesy and respect. Managers must also respect their co-workers and avoid abusing their powers. All those involved in the functioning of the city, from services to transportation, must be aware that they are constantly under the scrutiny of the citizens, who pay taxes and finance their work. Police officers must remain vigilant during the entire time for which they are paid; they must behave with wise tolerance and courtesy in their approach, explanations, and the administration of fines. They must apply the principle of delegated, not absolute, authority.
Tram and subway drivers must be courteous when approaching and answering questions; they must respect timetables and drive sensibly, without bullying pedestrians or vehicles; they must obey signs and drive without jerking, accelerating, or braking, if possible.
Maintenance workers for buildings, vehicles, and public roads must carry out scheduled preventative maintenance and intervene promptly and professionally to complete work on time. Construction sites must avoid excessive inconvenience to residents.
Public authorities such as councilors, mayors, and members of parliament must recognize the responsibilities entrusted to them by citizens, committing themselves to fulfilling their mandates to the best of their ability with commitment, dignity, and zeal, respecting the trust placed in them. Above all, they must be honest, denying and opposing any corrupt practices, and reporting even the most serious cases. Mayors must regularly walk around their cities to understand the daily reality of their citizens, thus avoiding living a life disconnected from real problems. They must establish dedicated complaint reception offices and respond promptly. The motto must be: verify and act. Schools must not be left out. Teachers, in addition to maintaining dignified and ethical behavior, must enforce the rules of good manners among their students, setting an example for them. Leading by example has always been the most effective way to educate.
I hope these suggestions will help us change certain behaviors, helping Milan regain its conscience, civic sense, and civic pride. I studied in the United States, where, despite all the contradictions and shortcomings, the sense of belonging is profound: if each of us, in our respective positions, followed simple and basic duties, it would already be a great achievement. Last August, my fifty-year-old ex-partner was hit and killed by a bus in Piazza Wagner in Milan: she was crossing at a pedestrian crossing with the light green. She leaves behind two young daughters. A tragedy. One that perhaps could have been avoided.