Editor:

  I typically do not respond to letters to the editor, however, the piece that was in the Aug. 22 Sentry was so off base I must respond.

The letter leaves one with the impression that I do not favor recycling. Nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, when I was chairman of the board at RWS, currently ecomaine, I spearheaded the enhanced “silver bullet” neighborhood recycling containers that made RWS/ecomaine and its member communities the largest recycling entity in the state of Maine.

The reason I am opposed to offering recycling to condominium complexes and apartment buildings more than four units are the following:

1) Condominiums and four or above apartment unit owners want the city to shoulder the costs for their “for profit” entities.

 2) There are approximately 1,300 condo units in South Portland. Bins cost $65 each. 1,300 multiplied by 65 equals $84,500 added to taxes.

  3) There are upwards to 1,500 apartments in buildings four units and up. 1,500 multiplied by 65 equals $97,500 added to taxes.

  Our current system of recycling and trash pick up was contracted by competitive bid. If we alter the contract to pick up for condos and four and up apartments the contract would trigger a re-opener clause that would allow the current contractor to charge the city more based on increased fuel costs, additional stops, etc. etc. etc. More tax money.

   Condos and apartment complexes typically have written into their condo association/apartment lease bylaws that certain amenities are the responsibility of the individuals living there. These usually include trash pick up, lawn maintenance, snow removal as well as others.

 If these condos and apartment unit residents want recycling so bad . . . why not add it to their own association by-laws instead of asking the city to pick up the tab.

  Does anyone else think it wouldn’t be long before these “for profit” condos and apartment units would ask for trash pick up as well?

Mayor James Soule

City of South Portland