LETTER TO THE EDITOR / Last Stand is urging Key West City Commission to reject a proposed resolution to negotiate for twice weekly garbage pick-up.  There are better alternatives than increasing the annual assessment for solid waste collection by nearly $500,000 per year to address the complaints of a vocal minority of residents.

City staff welcomes the opportunity to help anyone avoid the unsanitary conditions that are attributed to once per week garbage pick-up.  It is possible, even with the summer heat, to reduce odors to a tolerable level and eliminate pest issues.  But it will require some individuals to change their behavior and approach garbage disposal with a different attitude.

The Livability Survey presented to City Commission June 30th showed 65% of Key West rated garbage collection as good or excellent.  Similar favorable percentages were shown for yard waste and recycling.  National Research Center showed the basis for their confidence level in these positive percentages.  The demographics of survey respondents also included a high percentage of voters.  Based on this, Last Stand is urging City Commission to reject calls for a referendum on twice weekly pick-up.  This is all the research needed to understand the sentiment of the majority, and the fact that complaints are from a minority.

The commission approved a Solid Waste Master Plan in 2012 that is still a viable document. Last Stand encourages the commission to weigh opportunities in phases two and three of the plan and continue to lead Key West down the path to zero waste.

Mark E. Songer

President, Last Stand

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