Dear Editor:
(In response to: ‘Common waste hauler wrong for township, community,? The Citizen, Feb. 7 page 6.)
I think the citizens in the area are entitled to correct facts versus a bunch of hype and innuendoes.
First, Brandon was added to the original study group because their supervisor contacted me and wanted to be aware of the study and the eventual report.
As a positive jester, the county agreed to let Brandon Township in the study so they could also add input. The decision to join was totally up to the Brandon board. I think they should be perceived positively for at least wanting to be in the study to see if it would benefit their residents.
If a company provides good service at competitive prices, they should have nothing to fear. In the south end of Oakland County the smaller bidders actually won the contract over the larger haulers for S.O.C.R.A.
But this is not the real issue. This study has two main purposes. The first is to see if we can save all the residents? money on waste hauling. I’m sure most people realize that as a single household, you do not have any real buying power compared to thousands of households bidding as one.
Second, and just as important if not more so, is a need and desire by the communities to look at new technology. New technologies may be able to virtually eliminate the need to constantly add more landfills, and help preserve our area for our children.
Most of us in the northern end of the county moved here in large part to enjoy the openness and nature. It is no surprise when new landfills are started, they are usually located in less populated areas. This is because the local community has no say in sitting a landfill. It is easier to aggravate a small community than a larger one.
I have told residents that I think we in the northern end of the county need to take a leadership role in how we handle solid waste. We want a clean environment for our children. We should take a leadership role because we have the most to lose.
I heard the same wild complaints when Groveland did its natural gas project. Today more than 700 homes are on the project, saving significant money on heating bills every month.
There is no reason for our communities not to take a look at this issue. When we have the facts, I am sure all the communities will advise their residents and the will of the majority will prevail. I believe citizens make good decisions when they get all the facts.
Robert DePalma, Supervisor
Groveland Township