Lewiston burns. The police and fire chiefs solemnly proclaim accumulated trash around downtown tenements plays a significant role in these fires. The Sun Journal editorial board apparently agrees (April 11).
The solution to the issue is “pass the buck” — blame someone else — but ignore/deny any role the city’s actions might contribute to the problem.
Some years back, the city discontinued the annual curbside bulky waste pickup in favor of a “cheaper” alternative, namely “open dump week,” where Lewiston residents can bring trash to the dump at no charge. That is a fine option if you live in suburban neighborhoods of single family homes and have access to a truck to take advantage of the magnanimous gift offered by the city.
But what if you live in a downtown tenement and you’re lucky if you have a car that will pass inspection, never mind a truck? Sorry, not the city’s problem. Blame the landlord, pass the buck, cover your rear end, but deny any role by the city.
Perhaps, if everybody wishes real hard, the Fairy Godmother will make the trash go away.
So, I wonder how much money has this bulky waste pickup elimination “saved” the city?
How much has it cost? Hundreds of thousands of dollars in firefighting costs and building demolitions, and the displacement of hundreds of tenants.
Want to bet the powers-that-be will disingenuously deny this has any bearing on the issue whatsoever?
It’s someone else’s fault.
Andrew Hall, Lewiston
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