The Editor:
DéjÀ vu is not always a pleasant experience. This one certainly is not.
In our present time of many people being forced out of their homes and basically their lifestyles because of Mother Nature, our gorgeous Woodlawn Campground being virtually destroyed beyond repair, our golf course and Souris Valley Theatre in questionable positions, I so deeply regret and resent being forced into the position of having to deal with this issue again.
We have more important things and better things to deal with, but this is also important to many of us.
When did the statement "A deal is a deal" become too old to be of any value?
We all know Regens Disposal never wanted back alley garbage pickup in their vocabulary. As far as I know, they never even bid on a contract for it, but the company was awarded it anyway, to put it nicely. The end doesn't always justify the means.
Now, they've changed their minds, or more to the point, put into play their real intentions to force front yard pickup on all of us. Getting a foot in the door should not always result in getting what you want. Sometimes it merely means getting a sore foot. Be careful what you wish for or covet.
Do the citizens not deserve a say in this matter? Would a public meeting - city-wide questionnaire - or better yet, a vote at our next civic election, not seem appropriate and completely called for on this issue?
What a way to do business. Basically it's "I want your money, but please don't tell me what you want done for that money. Why the short time frame, Aug. 22 to Sept. 6 from proposal to reply? I think we all know why.
Are we now in the University of Deception, and cramming for finals in Dupe and Deceit 101? Like we didn't take that course a few short years ago? No one can now claim the divided issue was not anticipated. When it was tried that time, it didn't fly well either.
What about the "will of the people?" It's part of democracy that definitely proved itself in our last civic election. That is an X that can't be blown off or misconstrued. Then we will be heard and valued, as we deserve.
Why was the questionnaire for Hillside ignored? Because it didn't coincide with all the hype we've been told about people liking the new system?
Where are all the benefits? Twice as many trips now to pick up both sides of a street or alley. What about the double gas and emissions? Who does that benefit? Etc., etc.
As for the $18,000 Regens wants to give back to the City for the recycling program - keep your money. Anyone interested in recycling can do it now. We have a recycling station now that works well. It could be added to for sure, but if people are not interested in recycling, they won't do it in their front yard either. I drop ours off on the way to the store or on errands. When I am no longer able to do that, I won't be able to haul it to my front yard either.
A new charge on our water bill will only make it harder for people already having a hard time financially, not encourage recycling to anyone who is not interested. Our water bills are already long enough. They are a way to impose a lot of hidden taxes while bragging about our low tax rate. Check with some comparable cities of our size. Find out what benefits they receive for the money they pay.
Regens should continue the service they agreed to supply as is, and stop trying to change the rules to suit themselves. If you don't like the plan as it is now - notify the City that you want out of the contract and let someone propose an open bid with the standards clearly outlined. There's obviously money to be made or you wouldn't have pursued it so vigorously. Ask those power lines, fences and tree branches to quit jumping around so much so they are not a problem for your drivers. Maybe ask your drivers to be cautious. If they can come down an alley one week without a problem, it should be manageable the next week also.
"Shame on you" to the people who have tried the same trick twice. It wasn't flattering the first time and even less so now.
Kudos to the members of council who are questioning if this will be a good move or not, or have value of an agreement made.
To the others - whatever your motives - Regens can be excused to a point for doing what will make running their business easier. Our City government bears the ultimate responsibility for making the decisions their citizens and taxpayers expect of them. We want what is best for the majority of us, and we certainly have that right of expectation.
A business and government both run much better on honesty, transparency and merit. Wouldn't it be wonderful if that were the standard that was being used?
If you are not happy with the proposed changes to the present system, the recourse we have available to all of us at the present time is a phone call or e-mail to our City Hall or Regens Disposal to voice that opinion. Better yet, take five minutes and stop by in person, and let them see that we are real people with real voices.
Nothing will be gained by doing nothing and saying it won't change anything. We have power. Let's put it to use. How long does a phone call take?
Natalie Kleinser
Estevan, Sask.
