Carol Evans wasn’t sure what to expect when she headed for a meeting at Clarkston Junior High School last Thursday.
It wasn’t long before the words of local residents had her wiping away happy tears.
‘It’s hard to put into words,? said Evans, owner of the Springfield Township-based Smith’s Disposal. ‘I’m so grateful for the support from our customers and friends; I couldn’t hold back the tears when I heard the good things they were saying about us.?
The meeting, set up by Independence Township Supervisor Dave Wagner and Springfield Township Supervisor Mike Trout, was aimed at providing residents with information about a study that looked at local trash hauling and recycling practices. The setting also served as a forum for public comments and questions.
Evans, who said she fears for the survival of her business if recommendations from the study are implemented, has made a point of attending every meeting scheduled by any of the seven involved communities.
She and her staff have also dedicated a great deal of time and energy letting customers and other residents know what they see as the possible outcome if a solid waste authority is formed, as the study recommends: small haulers could go belly-up.
While some have accused her of spreading half-truths and campaigning against the whole idea, Evans doesn’t see it that way.
‘I’m not campaigning,? she said. ‘We’re just trying to get the information and get it out there. Our customers are the ones who are responding. All we’re doing is trying to communicate with our customers.?
In business since 1980, Smith’s provides pickup and recycling services in Springfield, Independence, Waterford and Brandon townships, as well as portions of Holly, Groveland and Orion townships.
Last October, when Evans? brother, co-owner Ken Smith, decided to hang up his hat and retire, Evans bought out his shares and became the company’s sole owner. Just a few months later she heard about the study and the possibility a solid waste authority could be in the works.
‘I just want to save my company, and I’ll do whatever it takes,” she said. “If I’d had any idea this was coming I’d have retired along with my brother. The bank has a lien on my house, my retirement, my savings, everything.?
It’s been, she said, a very difficult couple of months.
But not just for her.
‘Stressful,? said Michelle Michalski, who handles all Smith’s customer service needs. ‘I’ve been here 10 years; everyone is like a second family to me. It’s been very stressful not knowing if any of us are going to be out of a job soon, not knowing if I’ll be able to support my family.?