Dear Editor,

I totally agree with Todd Oliver [Citizen survey promoted, Jan. 24, TIMES]. I was very disappointed that council dismissed the municipal garbage debate so quickly.

One of the questions I asked all the candidates running for council last election was their stand on municipal garbage pickup.

I fear Maple Ridge is growing more and more behind by not providing municipal pickup. We need green and garbage pickup like most municipalities in the Greater Vancouver area.

I work in Port Coquitlam and am very impressed with their city's commitment to the environment and their services.

The Maple Ridge recycling society does a wonderful job, however our city should be managing all garbage and recycling pickup. It would reduce the trucks on the road, and the traffic, and allow for a comprehensive garbage/recycling program.

On my street, three different trucks travel to pick up garbage on three different days, plus the recycling trucks on Thursdays.

We would reduce the litter, increase education among citizens regarding household garbage and recycling, and become aligned with every other major town/city in North America. The cost would be minimal, compared to the impact on the District, and the rewards would be great.

When I moved here 15 years ago, I was surprised there was no waste management program in the District of Maple Ridge.

The time has come. Please open up. Let's debate, discuss, and move forward.

Kim Macey, Maple Ridge