(Letter to the Editor - Photo Illustration - MetroCreativeConnection)

I’m talking trash today.

I am saying that our city needs to ensure the residents of Parkersburg receive the essential trash service they expect from our elected city officials. Recycling should be free and encouraged. Large item pick-up keeps backyards and alleys free from ugliness, filth and urban vermin. A fee-driven trash service will negatively affect less affluent neighborhoods. Given that for years Parkersburg has had outstanding trash and recycling service, it makes no sense to spend additional money to hire a private service.

Public funds are being spent building conspicuous structures in Parkersburg. The Resiliency Center that is supposed to help in emergencies is on a dead-end street in a flood plain and cannot be reached by water or air! A huge fort-like structure of dubious purpose is emerging in the city park, yet a city trash service vital to every citizen is being destroyed and replaced by a more expensive private service. Just give our current trash collectors the respect and livable wage they deserve!

Stanley Cole

Parkersburg