PORTAGE, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – The Portage City Council got a firsthand look at the new politics of division last night, as they approved going to a single hauler to handle trash pickups.
Mayor Patricia Randall asked the standing room only crowd to remain respectful ,but they definitely did not. They heckled, shouted out and broke into spontaneous chants at times.
At one point some of the rowdier residents were ejected, escorted out by police.
The opponents made it clear they did not agree with the council’s proposal to award a five-year contract to Waste Management to handle all the city’s residential trash pickups, even though that company submitted the lowest bid.
Nearly 40 residents spoke against it.
The few who spoke for the measure were heckled.
Mayor Randall called it one of the most difficult meetings she has ever experienced.
Council member Vic Ledbetter blamed Best Way Disposal, one of the losing bidders, for drumming up the opposition to the measure.
Council members say having one hauler will reduce noise, wear and tear on the streets and end the practice of current haulers who gouge some customers with high rates.
The vote for the single hauler contract was approved unanimously.
The change will occur next March.
This is the route Kalamazoo Twp took several years ago. We were forced to go with the lowest bidder, Best Way, in the Twp’s case. There was opposition then as people didn’t want to be told they HAD no choice. And that is the point.
It’s a slippery slope when government tells you this is your only option and removes choice.