Las Vegas Sun

November 23, 2009

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Letter to the editor:

Commission should stand up to Republic

Linda Pritchett, Las Vegas

Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2008 | 2:02 a.m.

I’ve been a resident of Clark County for over 57 years. I’ve seen the growth, and a whole lot more. I take an active interest in issues involving my community.

Over the past couple of years, I have read a considerable amount about the requests made by Republic Services to increase rates, to reduce the number of times per week garbage is collected, to revamp the way we are expected to recycle (we do all the work, the company makes all the profits), and to dictate what type of receptacle is used.

Lately Republic is concentrating on the landfill issue and how to pull off getting Clark County commissioners to approve raising our (residential, commercial and industrial) rates to pay for something that — correct me if I’m wrong — the company agreed to way back when it acquired Silver State Disposal Service.

Maybe I’m old-fashioned, but I was taught that when you agree to something, it sticks. I have little sympathy for a company coming into our town, buying a monopoly and then using its legal resources to wriggle out of a contractual obligation.

The threat of Republic suing should not sway our county commissioners. A habit of backing down to threats shows only weakness.

I have no doubt that this company is crying poor baby all the way to the bank, and it will continue doing so for as long as it is successful. By virtue of its monopoly, Republic does not need to advertise; it’s all gravy.

I urge the commissioners, current and future, to ardently represent your constituents, and to vigorously defend challenges from any business attempting to make higher profits at our expense.

Discussion: 6 comments so far…

  1. By uddeboda
    11/5/08 at 4:15 a.m.
    Suggest removal

    Like I replied to another letter, I find it quite unbelievable in this modern age, that most cities and towns in the USA still landfill their trash. Many landfills are not lined, and the toxic waste leaches out into the groundwater, which in many cases is your drinking water. Does this not bother you

  2. By PatriciaLV
    11/5/08 at 5:24 a.m.
    Suggest removal

    Why is this even a debate-able issue? Of COURSE they should "stand up to Republic".

    But politicians (of EVERY stripe) almost NEVER "represent their constituents". They "represent" their largest campaign contributors.

    Call me a cynic. You'd be right.

  3. By azsk8fan
    11/5/08 at 8:37 a.m.
    Suggest removal

    PatriciaLV - heck, I thought I was the only cynic in town LOL ........but I agree - it's always about representing those who line the politicians pockets best.

  4. By Future2012
    11/5/08 at 12:20 p.m.
    Suggest removal

    Dems do not have lobbyist friends and business associates so there is no reason not to stick to to Republic Services.

  5. By Tokoloshe
    11/5/08 at 7:17 p.m.
    Suggest removal

    republic is mis-managed. get them out.

  6. By uddeboda
    11/5/08 at 11:30 p.m.
    Suggest removal

    Thats the stuff, get Republic out, and dump them at their own landfill. Wheres that bulldozer Jack??

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