Despite the potential call for more property taxes or a parcel tax to support our Solid Waste program, th only aspect lacking with the program seems to have been good management.

Tipping fees for the franchise hauler, San Juan Sanitation, have been set by the county at near two-thirds the rate for self-haul tipping fees. If San Juan Sanitation’s fees had been set at the same level as were self-haul users, some additional $2.8 million of income could have been generated over the past 11 years of record.

Or, on the other hand, our deteriorating transfer station and other facilities could have been rebuilt several times over — or self-haul rates for everyone on the island could have been reduced to an equitable, realistic amount.

Details of this fiasco have been sent to everyone in county government. We need serious, competent solid waste management in the county, as we seem to have in neighboring counties where franchise and self-haul tipping fees are approximately equal. Say “No” to tax increases and “No” to privatization. Changing the rate structure will provide the needed funds to fix our facilities, and maximize our opportunities for recycling and sound environmental management.

Tell our county leaders to shape up and manage, or let’s find new leaders who will.

Frank Stratton

Orcas Island