This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Health & Fitness

Response to Ms. Dansdill's Comment (see Mr. and Mrs. Fuchs' Letter to the Editor)

I don't mind so much if anyone wants to go to one container or supports other restrictive policies. What bothers me is that these regulations are then introduced via a salami slicing approach.

-For original quote see below-

Dear Ms. Dansdill,

I am happy to hear that Swampscott will not be going to one container and that (new to me) weekly recycling pickup is now being seriously considered. I am less happy that we are going from three to two containers without a vote by the people on this issue. It is, unfortunately, at times a little difficult to find out what will happen next and what the actual intentions for the future are.

Find out what's happening in Swampscottwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

 The one container idea has been endorsed in the past if I interpret the 2010 Waste Reduction Proposal correctly that has been signed by all three current members of the Board of Health. May I cite from your 2010 document:

 

Find out what's happening in Swampscottwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

“SMART Waste Reduction Program: In this Save Money And Reduce Trash variation, each household is allowed to put at the curb one 36-gallon (or less) barrel or trash bag at no charge, covered by the existing tax base. Households that need additional disposal capacity will be required to use official Swampscott trash disposal bags that they can purchase locally. […]

This waste reduction strategy was recently adopted by the Town of Hamilton, and is the program that the Waste Reduction Committee has unanimously endorsed and recommended for the Town of Swampscott.”

 (written and submitted by: Town of Swampscott Waste Reduction Committee; signed by Lawrence Block, Martha Dansdill, Nelson Kessler, among others), September 28, 2010)

 

It is hard to decipher at times what the actual intent and desired outcome is supposed to be. The trend has been pretty clear and we are now down to two barrels. If the initially stated intent was to be adopted at some point I would not be surprised.

This is similar to the discussion the board had during the last meeting at which I happened to be present and the topic was to whether or not to adopt a full-out smoking ban in town. The intent of some members of the Board of Health appears to be to take existing regulations and make them even stricter. You even half-jokingly mentioned that this strategy only works to the point where this pesky personal freedom thing gets in the way (I'm paraphrasing). And no, I do not encourage smoking. But it's still a personal choice even if it's a bad choice in my view.

I don’t even mind so much if anyone holds these opinions and really supports a one-barrel or other restrictive policies. What bothers me is that these regulations are then introduced via a salami slicing approach. Let's have open and honest discussions. And let the voter make the decisions about such significant changes and regulations.

 

---------

In response to a letter by Mr. and Mrs. Fuchs:

 

"

I'd like to clear up a misconception about trash which is being circulated. Swampscott will NOT be going to ONE container of trash. The plan is to go to a two container limit July 1st, and with the cost savings realized through trash reduction, offer residents weekly recycling. The FinCom and the Selectmen are aware of the desire to move to a weekly recycling program and the costs associated with doing so. The Town Adminstrator will ultimately have the final say when negotiating the trash contract.

Read more here: 
"

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?