Vote yes in Wauconda Township

Residents of unincorporated Wauconda Township can save money immediately and in the long run by approving a garbage collection referendum on the April 7 ballot. The Township Refuse Collection and Disposal Act would allow officials to choose one waste hauler, through competitive bidding, for its 550 households. And that, according to township Supervisor Glenn Swanson, could quickly reduce waste collection costs to the consumer.

Right now, residents pick their own provider, and there are several operating in the nine subdivisions affected. That's a lot of garbage trucks, which brings us to the second benefit of having a single hauler: less truck traffic. Besides being safer and just more pleasant, fewer trucks means less wear and tear on the roads, which won't need to be repaired as often. Another cost savings in the future.

It's hard to say if residents' bills will really be smaller and by how much since they now pay different amounts to different companies. The bidding process cannot begin until the referendum passes. But officials believe those bills will be smaller, and these days, every little bit helps.

We recommend you vote yes in Wauconda Township.