As a follow-up to my letter to the editor in the Jan. 28 Viewpoints section, I would like to comment on the article in the same issue regarding upcoming village board discussions over new waste hauling contracts for 2027 [Oak Park garbage hauling likely going out to bid in 2027, News, Jan. 28]. For the first time this identifies and admits to the real reason that fall leaf collection was discontinued. It was financially based … not that this wasn’t always evident, in spite of the marketing materials. Cost and labor was shifted to home and building owners. It eliminated a line item expense in the budget and opens up bidding for waste hauling services to smaller companies who can’t provide leaf services.
Programs, services and assets in our community should be developed, maintained and supported based on how essential they are and what portion of the community they serve, along with an awareness of special needs. We put a high value on having good schools, a safe community, transportation services, parks and recreation, community programs, and a thriving business environment. It is in everyone’s interest that the village remains an attractive place to live. The village board members are stewards of this responsibility and need to run a fiscally “sound ship.” I believe leaf collection represents an essential service that affects everyone and should go back into the budget.
The bag program has been a failure in that, in spite of the individual efforts of many, reliance on the homeowners to participate has not matched previous service by the village and has left a mess to deal with. I would urge the board to reconsider their decision and restore a vital service, including doing something before 2027. They should also address the changing environment regarding when the trees drop their leaves and for what range of time the services should be provided.
Michael Goodman
Oak Park
