Township refuse vote an easy choice

There will be an important referendum for residents of the unincorporated areas of Bloomingdale Township on the ballot April 5. If passed this referendum will authorize the township to negotiate, contract and administer a refuse collection and recycling program for the residents of the unincorporated areas of the township.

The Bloomingdale Township Democratic Organization wholeheartedly supports this referendum, and urges all residents of unincorporated areas to vote yes.

Under the current arrangement each resident of the unincorporated areas negotiates separately for refuse collection. This results in higher rates and allows the various companies to raise their rates arbitrarily.

Also, since there are a number of companies that service these areas there is an increased number of trucks on the streets of the unincorporated areas and no uniformity as to which day the residents move their cans curbside.

If the township is allowed to negotiate a contract with one waste hauler to cover all unincorporated areas the residents will pay a lower flat fee that is locked in for the length of the contract.

There will also be one pick up day for each area, thus improving public safety and lessening the amount of wear and tear on township roads.

There are a couple of additional points voters should know about this referendum. First, it is revenue neutral for Bloomingdale Township. The township will negotiate the contract on the resident's behalf, but the company with the winning bid will do all billing and residents will pay the company directly.

Also, the levels of service residents are requesting will be submitted to the township by a board representing the various unincorporated areas of the township. Most importantly, this referendum will be voted on only by the residents of the unincorporated areas of the township and will have no affect on municipal residents.

Pete Null

Chairman, Bloomingdale Township Democratic Organization.