In the annals of anal-retention, this one must take the cake. It’s a March 11 memo dispatched by Larry Schwartz, the “Brain,” half of the “Pinky and the Brain” duo that runs Westchester County government. (Andy Spano is the”Pinky” half.)

It was sent to county commissioners and department heads. It reads as follows:

Re: County Letterhead Template Update

During the last few years, county stationery has featured the water logo to communicate the need to save water. While water conservation is an important goal, it would appear that with respect to our vigorous campaign to promote recycling, all letterhead should now promote the Reduce-Reuse-Recycle symbol. Since all these forms of paper can and should be recycled when disposed of, the change in logo is both appropriate and timely. Effective today, I have instructed the IT/Graphics to include on all printer orders for in-house materials a logo for our recycling efforts.

Your cooperation is needed to ensure that all your letterhead and other appropriate material carry the Reduce-Reuse-Recycle logo. Graphics is prepared to formate your materials when you request printing of new stationery orders.

Thank you.

Schwartz carbon copied the memo to four different offices—the Department of Information Technology, DoIT Graphics, the bureau of purchase and supply and finance commissioner.

Reminds me of Woody Allen’s movie, “Bananas.” Next we’ll see a memo demanding that all county personnel speak Swedish and change their underwear three times a day.