Not long ago a front-page Journal article informed San Mateo residents of an impending substantial (and escalating) increase in waste collection fees. According to the article, “in 2016, the state began imposing recycling and compost mandates for jurisdictions” and we were required (not just asked) to take measures to significantly reduce garbage in all sectors. Property owners largely complied with this request, but now it seems that the significant reduction in waste, recycling and composting programs has created a major shortfall that requires additional funding to compensate for the reduced amount. Huh? Excuse me, if I’m terribly wrong, but my understanding is that we are being penalized for doing just as we were told.
Additionally, the article mentioned that “street sweeping” services is also provided. Perhaps it’s different in other areas of San Mateo, but here, street sweeping consists of the rare occasions when the sweeper parades down the middle of the street with brushes down. Cars parked on the sides of roads are not moved, like they are in other cities, and debris remains where it was, so, once again, it is up to the property owner to do whatever cleaning is necessary.
Oh, and by the way, just in case you haven’t realized it, using as little energy as possible between the hours of 4-9 p.m. is rationing, by any other name.
Thanks for your letter, Ms. Christensson. Unfortunately, increasing pensions and benefits must be paid for…ever – and you’re the ATM. What to do? Start reducing the amount of labor, along with their pensions and benefits by investing in self-driving waste management vehicles? Begin amassing dumpsters of garbage by street/neighborhood instead of individual bins/residence? Perhaps donating flammable garbage to homeless encampments they can burn for heat/cooking?
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Thanks for your letter, Ms. Christensson. Unfortunately, increasing pensions and benefits must be paid for…ever – and you’re the ATM. What to do? Start reducing the amount of labor, along with their pensions and benefits by investing in self-driving waste management vehicles? Begin amassing dumpsters of garbage by street/neighborhood instead of individual bins/residence? Perhaps donating flammable garbage to homeless encampments they can burn for heat/cooking?
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Keep the discussion civilized. Absolutely NO personal attacks or insults directed toward writers, nor others who make comments.
Keep it clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, racist or sexually-oriented language.
Don't threaten. Threats of harming another person will not be tolerated.
Be truthful. Don't knowingly lie about anyone or anything.
Be proactive. Use the 'Report' link on each comment to let us know of abusive posts.
PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK.
Anyone violating these rules will be issued a warning. After the warning, comment privileges can be revoked.