Commentary: A Trashy Blame Game That Should End

Editor’s note: Because of recent problems with our system demanding unnecessary passwords from some commenters, I am simply publishing this one as a submitted commentary.

By Chip Ross

To: Alan Hopkins

Steve Nicklas lives on a street that has county residents on one side and city residents on the other. When the city renewed the contract with Waste Management approximately 5 years ago new trash cans were issued to all city residents. In this case it appears that trash cans were delivered to both sides of the street instead of the city side of the street only.

It is my recollection that Waste Management hired a contractor to deliver the new trash cans. Thousands of trash cans were delivered in a short period of time.

It appears Mr. Nicklas took advantage of that mistake. Instead of doing the right thing and reporting the mistake, it appears Mr. Nicklas put his trash out for the city to collect for free, every week, for years.

It is my understanding that over the years others throughout the city have taken other peoples’ trash cans and put them out as their own. Neither the city nor Waste Management routinely check to make sure the right person has the right trash can. It is basically an honor system.

Dishonest people are caught when they are reported by others – as are most crimes.  A resident recently reported that Mr. Nicklas appeared to be receiving free trash service. City staff investigated, and the trash cans were removed.

Mr. Nicklas cheats the city and its taxpayers and you blame the city staff for not catching him sooner? Really?