Malarkey: Share the knowledge
What do they know that we don't know? Wouldn't it be better to share that knowledge so we can get on with life?
Several weeks ago we made the same request and it fell on deaf ears. So, we'll make it again.
The regional landfill issue was contentious for years. The reasons we had for our stand will be repeated in condensed form on this page. We'd like to know why, for what reason, others opposed it.
You note, we're speaking in the past tense on the regional landfill. It appears the opportunity has escaped us. Waste Connections is now negotiating with Harper County and has lost interest in Marion County, mainly due to local opposition. Why would any firm invest millions where they are not welcome?
We'd like to know, in few words, why others oppose a landfill. We think by sharing that information, better understanding could result. That would help on future projects that are needed.
A smattering of red signs which look like stop signs but carry a "slam" label, have been noted. Many who support that stand are longtime friends and some are former friends. We value their opinion. What have we missed? Share it with us. We don't seek inflammatory or emotional diatribes. Just present the facts.
Our reasons for supporting a regional landfill are:
1.) It would be a good source of needed revenue, and it would be safe. Government regulations would be followed so there'd be no environmental impact. No certified and approved landfill (and they are all across America — we hope you've visited a few) has ever failed or leaked. If they had, there is provision to take care of the problem.
2.) A regional landfill would have provided a place for where Marion County to take our trash (free of charge) and a desperately needed fee would be paid to the host town.
3.) The regional landfill would pay county, city, and school district taxes. It also would provide local employment and would help the local economy by buying everything from fuel for the trucks and food for the drivers.
4.) The regional landfill offer had included helping Marion County with closing the former landfill (near Aulne) which operated as a disgrace. That type of landfill is not what's being considered. But we, Marion County, must close it. And we don't have the funds. That former landfill is a big point to consider, not only was it a disgrace but we have the costly obligation of closing it.
Remember the landfill the City of Marion operated for years, on Mud Creek just upstream of the town's water supply? The only thing between the landfill and our water supply was a hog operation.
Nobody complained. Nor are they complaining today about several sites in Marion County where feed yards dump waste into the creeks and streams.
But they complain, with gusto, against a regional landfill that would be clean, well operated, and be an economic opportunity to pump millions of dollars into the county.
What have we missed?
Surely those opposed are not favoring the four-county proposal of going into debt to build a landfill in Marion County (operated by the county) which would charge residents a fee to use the facility they'd paid for. Surely not!
It's likely too late now. But we'd like to know the thinking of those who've killed an opportunity that was sorely needed.
Let me know.
— BILL MEYER
