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Current News & Events / Re: Article 3: Trash Talk

« on: February 29, 2016, 05:00:17 PM »

For further information - I just personally spoke with Jeff Myers from Myers Waste and Recycle.  He advised that if asked to submit a bid (which they were not asked to do) he would be bidding for Myers Waste and Recycle only. 

He also indicated that they would be willing to make an offer if the Town voted "Yes".  As for the "unanswered" phone call, he didn't have a recollection that a call ever went unanswered but simply reiterated his Company "wasn't at the table" to make a bid in the first place.   

Thanks to Mr. Myers and the rest of the folks who have provided further information in a professional manner on this issue.   

Make that vote count tomorrow!!!

All is fair in love and garbage,
Lauri Fisher

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Current News & Events / Re: Trash removal opinions?

« on: February 29, 2016, 03:21:29 PM »

Thank you to everyone who has provided input, research, opinion and advice on the garbage issue.  It is now up to everyone to vote at polls tomorrow with their choice.  Please get out to vote!!

Whatever the decision, the Board has committed to following through with the wishes of voters which is why, I presume, we were elected to this position; to lead and not dictate.  Since no one is running against one of the long-standing incumbents this year apparently critics of the Board members as individuals wish to remain behind the keyboard and not run for office themselves to see what it entails or understand the work required.  After two public meetings and a well-attended town meeting, the Board has tried to answer the questions of the Fairfax residents and provide the information to the best of our ability.  It is not without "what ifs" or "but fors" and is certainly not perfect - but there has been openness and transparency the entire way.      

I WILL NOT, however, sit quietly and allow any member of the Board to be called a liar or continue to allow information to be disseminated that there are shady ethics, deception or underhanded tactics at play.  If anything, the Board put in extraordinary time to research the trash issue despite no legal obligation to do so.  The easiest decision we could have made when Duffy's pulled out of the contract was to join the District without asking for what the voters desired.  The Board, however, rolled up the sleeves, dug into the issue at hand and has provided resources for each household to weigh the pros and cons of keeping curbside or moving to the District.  
We DENY that any calls have not been returned.  We DENY that we have put out bad information. We ADMIT that our last Board meeting we voted that the project would not go out for further proposals if the Town voted yes to curbside as we have confidence in the programming and price from Casella. The best price isn't always the best option and the lobbying power Casella has in Montpelier should not go without consideration.  It should also be noted that Myers reached out to our current hauler after the first informational meeting and asked to "team up" with them to put a bid in against Casella after the numbers we had were given to the public - which creates further questions as to who can take on the task of handling a municipality's garbage under Act 148 and keep us in compliance.  

Public positions require a higher level of scrutiny - and this isn't my first community service role.  However, personal attacks as to the integrity and truthfulness of those of us on the Board are without merit and do nothing more than distract from the question at hand - do you want to pay for curbside service or wish to take care of your own garbage.   Both choices have positives and negatives - as pointed out on this very list serve.

In closing, and as a reminder to the keyboard warriors who attack Board members or town employees personally from the comfort of their home or office, please note we meet the first and third Monday of each month and welcome your attendance on the record so that everyone has a fair opportunity to respond.  We also welcome volunteers all year long - if you have expertise in something that you see needs attention please volunteer those skills to the Town!  

Thanks for participating in our local democracy and getting out to VOTE tomorrow!

Best, Lauri Fisher, Vice-Chair Select Board