Yes on garbage deals in Bloomingdale, Wayne townships

Daily Herald Editorial Board

Voters in Bloomingdale and Wayne townships have a chance to let their township government negotiate garbage contracts on behalf of those who live in unincorporated areas, Unlike municipalities, where a contract is awarded usually to one hauler, people — or homeowners groups — outside municipal boundaries typically are left to fend for themselves in working out a deal with waste haulers. It is not unheard of for two or three trucks from different companies to be rumbling down the same streets. The townships are offering to negotiate one contract, which would likely mean a savings to all. There is skepticism in some quarters about a possible reduction of service and a suspicion of any government intervention. We understand that in today’s political climate, but this seems like a wise deal. Officials in Wayne Township note that its 1,800 unincorporated residents would have more leverage than a single homeowner in soliciting competitive bids and would have the option of rejecting all of them if the price were not right. We recommend a YES vote in both townships.