If I Could Wave the Magic Wand

A north county resident writes . . .

"If I could wave the Magic Wand things would be different. The County could have saved everyone a lot of time and energy if they had used some common sense. I basically like the idea of recycling and the two bulky pick-up a year and weekly trash pick-up. Had the County focused on the licensing of hauler requiring them to provide recycling service, two bulky pick ups and weekly trash service as a part of the basic monthly service to be billed to the resident and let the resident select their hauler everything would have been fine.

The County has not thought this program through. At first they said they wanted fewer trash trucks on the streets. Then that was changed for those of us who opted-out. If a subdivision opted-out they can have as many haulers as they like in their subdivision.

Fortunately, for me our subdivision opted-out and selected one hauler. Thus we have fewer trucks and a reasonable rate for service. Best of all we are dealing with a local hauler rather than a multi-international company.

All is well with me and frankly I thank the County for making such a mess. I don’t think it is in the best interest of those who did not have the option to opt-out to have to be stuck with a monopoly situation.

I think it is going to be very interesting to look at the entire situation three or five years from now when the rates charged by the monopoly haulers are out of sight.

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A reader responds . . .

"Unfortunatly, there was no Magic Wand. In the early stages of county planning on this effort, the local haulers and their State organization, National Solid Waste, did meet many times with County officials and staff to discuss all of these options. More than several recommendations were offered by the haulers and plenty of good working models were presented to the County.

The County effort lead by Charlie Dooley and carried out by Garry Earls turned down every single industry offer, every single industry suggestion, and finally turned off communications with the industry haulers.

They were bound and determined to do things their way and they weren't interested in listening to common sense, and professional folks who have dealt with these services for years. The County had no interest in any compromise or concession.

The County was warned of the backlash and informed of the outcome. But the County felt that they had all the answers and wanted the control.Now they have it.

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And another resident writes . . .

"The reality of this botched up plan, is simply another example of just how bad St. Louis County is run. It's not only the Solid Waste mess, but the county has screwed up Re-Assesment, has screwed up Metro Link, now the trash services, etc.

They refuse to pay police officers and more money, but yet continue to waste tax payers money on crazy political wimsey. It is time that Taxpayers revolt, and vote down every additional tax increase the County is seeking, until they can prove Responsibility as well as Accountability.

And, while you are voting, send home all those responsible for ignoring us Taxpayers. We need new leadership.