Citizen wants questions answered

Published 4:07 pm Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Dear editor:

This is the question we the citizens of the five municipalities (Bertrand Township, City of Buchanan, Buchanan Township, City of Niles, Niles Township) should have the right to ask our elected representatives in an open meeting when it comes to the question of selling the Southeast Berrien County Landfill.

Can these elected officials put forth the documentation of predictability in the new owners’ management of the landfill?

Provide written proof from the legal authorities of state government that we the citizens will not be paying for the liability clause of the state law holding us responsible for the continuing care of the landfill after closure or possibility of releases of harmful byproducts of the landfill.

Then the last and important fact of proof many feel is necessary is the cost of garbage pickup will not increase dramatically in the years to come for the citizens of these municipalities. One can also ask if the new owners will charge for recycling, or if there is mandatory recycling in the future will that cost us? Will the cost of disposing of yard waste increase or be eliminated completely by a profit drive owner? Will there be an assurance in the contract of dumping fees?

I ask that all these responsible elected officials inform us the citizens (they ask to represent us and listen to us), when our voices will be heard and the answers to our questions be given. Once these answers are given, hopefully the elected officials will know the will of the people and vote accordingly.

I feel if the answers are sufficient, the citizens will support the votes of the representatives, as we should. If the information presented does not persuade the citizens in the majority to support the vote of said representatives, many would ask if they should consider changing their vote?

If you feel this issue is important and needs to be addressed, please call your municipal clerk and ask that this issue be put on the agenda and these questions be answered by your elected officials at the next scheduled meeting.

Jess Minks

Buchanan Township