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An Open Letter To Waste Connections (Scott Waste)

4/27/2022

9 Comments

 
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Darren Doyle, Founder, Director:
There are a number of reasons that the Edmonson Voice is the leading source for local news and information in our county; one of those reasons is that we concentrate heavily on just local information, and we do our best to keep our opinions out of our platform.

With that being said, my office receives multiple calls and messages on a regular basis from local residents that complain about two major issues: internet service and the trash pickup service we are forced to use, provided by Waste Connections (also still known to some as Scott Waste).

This past Monday at an Edmonson County Fiscal Court meeting, Judge Executive Wil Cannon summarized the many complaints his office had received over the last few months that were directed at Waste Connections. Also, a few residents in attendance brought up additional issues. Mr. Pete Reckard, a rep for Waste Connections, gave several excuses and a few apologies as responses to those issues.

As a response to those many complaints that we also receive, and from my own experience as a Waste Connections "customer" and tax payer, I'd like to write this open letter to Waste Connections, the same as anyone else might submit a letter to the editor. It seems like I never get to share my opinion publicly, so here it is, in open letter form.
Dear Waste Connections,
This is an open letter to you to express my dissatisfaction in your trash pickup service. In the above introduction to this letter, you'll notice that I used the word "customer" in quotation marks. That is because I am forced to use your services as a result of Edmonson County being part of the Kentucky Waste Management Plan, which was decided by our Fiscal Court. I understand why our county participates in the plan and I used to support it. Now I do not, and I'd like to explain why.

I have three major issues with having Waste Connections as my trash provider. These are issues that have been ongoing since 2008; while they have been better and manageable at times, Edmonson County residents are paying for services from your company that we are not receiving, and they are still unresolved.

The first is, we pay you for weekly pickup. At $69.20 per quarter, that equals to be $23.06 per month, or roughly $5.67 per week. Our regular pickup day at my house is on Thursday, and there have been many, many Thursdays that we were missed. Not once have you offered to credit my bill for that week. When missed, it was a week that we did not receive your service, yet you were paid the full amount. If it was picked up Friday, Saturday, or any day after that, it was not picked up "weekly." I am not getting what I'm purchasing, and sadly, I have no other choice or option.

I've called you about this issue several times and each time I'm told "we don't give credits for missed days because we'll get whatever trash you have next week--we're still picking up the same trash and that's what you're paying for." Wrong. I pay for weekly pickup, as required by county ordinance. If you don't pick up my trash within a week from the time it was last picked up, you have just taken my money without providing me the service. It's wrong and our county deserves better.

I live on a private road and have to take my trash can about a 100 yards to your pick up point. You tell me to either have the trash at that point on the night before, or by 5AM the next morning. I normally place it there the night before. If it's not picked up the next day, my trash can (which is always full, usually overflowing, from having a household of 4 and a dog) sits as a large smelly target for the area's stray dogs, cats, opossums, raccoons, and who knows what. When those critters get into the trash, it's now another problem for me to clean that up. This may seem trivial to some, but it goes back to the point that I, and many others, are not getting the service for which we pay.

The second issue is  your communication.  It's non-existent. Why would you not contact the owner of the county's number one source of information to let people know that you have a mobile app? When you mentioned this at Monday's meeting, it was the first I'd ever heard of it. I haven't yet downloaded it, but our office has already received complaints that it is ineffective, as the communication comes too late. We don't need to know on Friday that our Thursday trash pick up is late. We need to know that information on the night before, or by 5AM, the same as you instruct us to have our trash ready for pickup.

The third issue is not with Waste Connections, it's with our fiscal court: our magistrates and Judge Executive's Office. I am including number three in this open letter because you, Waste Connections, have an obligation to uphold your end of the agreement with the county, and I just want you to see that our county can also do better, in my opinion.

Since you (the fiscal court) have acted on the taxpayer's behalf by allowing Waste Connections to be our sole provider, it should be your job to enforce that Waste Connections provides the service for which we are forced to pay. People in this county no longer want to hear how many dumpsters were provided for the countywide cleanup. They no longer want to hear about how many tires were picked up, and they certainly don't want to hear "well, they do a pretty good job." While all those things are good and obviously utilized, people have had it. It's also been pointed out that Waste Connections donates to the annual Freedom Fest fireworks show. That's well and good, but there are others who are willing to help pay for a fireworks show (my business included), but there's only one option as to who picks up our trash. Imagine going to the barber, prepaying for a haircut only to have your barber say "sorry, our clippers are down, but we donated to your favorite charity." We're tired of having our trash missed, our cans turned over, our cans placed where they block our driveways, sometimes rude customer service reps, (to be fair, not all of them), and most of all, paying for a service that we don't receive. I can't fire Waste Connections, but I have a vote. And I ask you to either fire Waste Connections when it comes time to renew that contract, or hold them accountable for their actions if you sign with them again. I have already voiced my concerns to my magistrate. I am no longer in favor of the KY Waste Management Program if it means getting the wrong end of the deal at my own home.

You (Waste Connections) gave several excuses at Monday's meeting as to why your service has been below expectations, specifically since Christmas. You noted labor shortages, supply chain issues, weather, and some other problems. We understand those things. Reasonable people understand those issues, and there are more reasonable folks in our county than not. What we don't understand is this: Why aren't you making up for it? Offer your "customers" a credit for every 7-day pick up period that you miss our trash. It's simple. We are paying you the same amount for bad (worse) service, and again, it's not fair because we don't have a choice. Were you a day late? Offer a $5.67 credit. That at least lets people know you may actually care.

I'm a business owner and I know what it means to provide a service to those that expect it. If I don't, my advertisers are not happy and it will hurt our revenue. If, and when we make mistakes (because no one is perfect), it's our priority to try to make it right. I have to sacrifice something in order to make good on what we offer. If I don't, our readers have the choice of going elsewhere to find information. It doesn't appear that you're doing anything to make it right, other than giving some excuses and some very mild apologies. What hurts the worst is that we, the residents of Edmonson County, have no choice to go elsewhere, and you obviously know this.

Mr. Reckard said at Monday's meeting that they employ residents of Edmonson County. This letter is not specifically directed at them or any other driver. I'm sure they are working as hard as they can to keep the schedule on track. It would seem the most common problems we see are not as a result from drivers or riders. While others may have had issues with the drivers, I have not.

I hope that you reconsider how you treat your "customers." Start offering bill credits. Don't tell us how you donate to a fireworks show. Start giving back to the individuals that are paying for your full services and not receiving them. There are many of us.

Sincerely,
Darren Doyle,
Edmonson County Taxpayer
9 Comments

Letter to the Editor: High School Students: Check Out Perks From AmeriCorps KY Colleges Coaches Program

9/28/2021

0 Comments

 
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​Dear Editor,

ECHS AmeriCorps Kentucky Colleges Coaches program is geared up for another great year! We still have limited space for 9th-12th grade first generation students (students whose parents do not have a FOUR year degree) that  may qualify for free/reduced lunches. 

On Oct 1, 2021 the FAFSA (Free Application for Student Aid) opens up for those who are planning on attending college during the 22-23 school year. All high school seniors are encouraged to fill out the FAFSA even if they are not one hundred percent sure they will be going to college. Most colleges require the FAFSA for admission. Filling out the FAFSA may also qualify students for scholarships. We are hoping to see an increase in FAFSA completion statewide this year. 

KHEAA (Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority) offers a guide to help with FAFSA completion (https://www.kheaa.com/pdf/pubs/FAFSA_Completion_Guide.pdf?main=1) as well as many other tips and information about preparing and paying for college. 

ECHS KCC will offer a Family FAFSA Night October 21 from 5-7 in the school library for families wanting help filling out the application. November 4th will be College Application Day. Area college admission counselors will be in the library to assist ECHS (in person or virtual) students in filling out college applications. More information will be posted on their Google Classrooms. 

For more information about the FAFSA, college and career information, or the Kentucky College Coaches’ Program feel free to contact Carmon Hughes at carmon.hughes@edmonson.kyschools.us or call 270-597-2151. 

In Service, 
Carmon Hughes
ECHS Americorps Kentucky College Coach
0 Comments

Letter To Editor: FAFSA--Importance of Applying For Student Aid

2/9/2021

0 Comments

 
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​Dear Editor, 

The Kentucky Higher Education Authority (KHEAA), along with other educational organizations has kicked off #FAFSAFebruary in an effort to encourage Kentuckians who are going to college in the fall to fill out the FAFSA(free application for student aid). 

According to the Form Your Future FAFSA Tracker, Kentucky has seen a 19% decrease in completion for high school students. Edmonson County High school has also seen a significant decrease in completion compared to a year ago. 

Many students do not fill out the form because they feel their family makes too much money, but that is not always the case. In addition to federal and state grants and loans for those that qualify, the FAFSA is also used by many colleges to determine scholarship eligibility. Billions of dollars set aside for student federal aid goes unused due to lack of FAFSA completion.

If you have questions or concerns regarding the FAFSA you may contact Mrs. Culbreth or Ms. Hughes at ECHS. For other high schools contact your school counselor or any of KHEAA’s outreach counselors (https://www.kheaa.com/website/kheaa/counselors?main=6). 

In Service, 

Carmon Hughes 
ECHS AmeriCorps Kentucky College Coach
Brownsville, KY
0 Comments

OpEd From State Treasurer Allison Ball: Governor's Overreach of Power, Disregard For First Amendment

10/19/2020

2 Comments

 
Crisis of Conscience: Government Suppression of the First Amendment During the COVID Pandemic
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Kentucky State Treasurer Allison Ball.
 OpEd by Kentucky State Treasurer Allison Ball:
Every statewide elected official takes an oath to uphold the constitutions of the United States and the Commonwealth of Kentucky.  As your elected State Treasurer, I have the added responsibility of watching all state expenditures, billions of dollars every year, and making sure that your taxpayer dollars are not being used in a way that violates the Constitution.

In recent weeks, there have been stories circulating nationwide about the efforts of the Archbishop of San Francisco to overturn the punitive limits imposed on churches by the mayor of San Francisco. The last few days have seen a resurgence in the targeting of Orthodox Jewish communities in New York, as well as other houses of worship, by imposing hard caps of 10 and 25 people per service, regardless of the size of the church or synagogue.  As efforts to protect civil liberties in those areas moves forward, we must remember that the targeting of religious exercise by state and local officials is not limited to the coastal “blue” states.

Kentucky, whose politics will never be confused with New York or California, has itself seen multiple federal courts strike down executive orders issued by Governor Andy Beshear, on the grounds that the orders limiting religious services, travel, or protest, violated the fundamental, constitutional rights of Kentuckians.  In any other time in our history, a series of defeats of this magnitude would have been met with much greater attention and demand for accountability.

Due to my role as a watchdog of public spending, I directed my office to review the way taxpayer dollars were being spent to enforce the administration’s questionable executive orders relating to First Amendment activities. Protecting our Commonwealth and its great citizens need not be done at the expense of the First Amendment. It is possible to protect the Commonwealth while respecting, and adhering to, a principle upon which this country was founded. My office requested information from a number of health departments around the Commonwealth, and received responses from several departments, as well as the Kentucky State Police. 

Our investigation uncovered numerous instances of law enforcement being used to monitor or shut down faith-based services; derogatory or confrontational comments made about religious exercise by those in leadership; and selective, targeted enforcement of mass gathering prohibitions, in violation of the First Amendment.  The actions taken at a local level seem to be directly correlated to the decisions made, and the tone set, by the Governor’s administration in Frankfort, which itself has too often used daily briefings and press releases as opportunities to disparage or threaten any person or institution that questions the legality and appropriateness of the administration’s orders. 

On October 22, I will be presenting my office’s findings to the Interim Joint Committee on Judiciary in Frankfort.  This will be an opportunity for legislators to consider what we have uncovered in relation to executive actions during last few months, and for the public to learn more about how taxpayer dollars have been spent to enforce arbitrary government orders.

Kentuckians have established a constitution and laws that demand respect for the First Amendment rights of all citizens, regardless of their religious or political beliefs.  During the 1930s, as our nation was trapped within the economic catastrophe of the Great Depression, and facing the rise of dangerous forces around the world, Chief Justice Charles Evans Hughes reminded the country that “[t]he Constitution was adopted in a period of great emergency.”  He astutely noted that “[e]mergency does not create power” and that “[e]mergency does not increase granted power.” The extraordinary challenges presented in 2020 do not provide justification for expanding the Governor’s powers, or for ignoring the fundamental tenets that separate our democracy from failed and oppressive autocratic states arounds the world.

The First Amendment must be vigorously defended by all elected officials, particularly in times of emergency, when it is the easiest for the government to justify unconstitutional restrictions.  I encourage every Kentuckian to continue to demand that our government adhere to the constitution and laws of the Commonwealth, and I look forward to continuing to serve the Commonwealth as your State Treasurer.
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2 Comments

Letter To Editor: ECHS KY College Coach Discusses Program, Options

10/19/2020

0 Comments

 
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Dear Editor,

I am the AmeriCorps Kentucky College Coach at ECHS. Our program typically serves 1st generation 9th-12th grade students. We work with students that have a desire to go to college and may need or wish to have some guidance along the way. There are approximately 40 AmeriCorps Kentucky College Coaches in Kentucky. In order for a student to be apart of the    program they must turn in permission form signed by a parent or guardian. 

On October 1st the FAFSA (Free Application for Student Aid)  opened up. This is one of the many things we can help with in your student’s journey to college. This federal  form should be completed prior to entering college. The FAFSA determines a student will receive money for college and determines eligibility for many grants and scholarships. Some colleges require the FAFSA to be filled out before a student will be accepted as a student of  their school.We urge all high school Seniors to fill out the FAFSA.  Before filling out the FAFSA the student and parent will need a FSA ID. The official FSA ID and FAFSA links are listed below:

https://fsaid.ed.gov/npas/index.htm

https://studentaid.gov/

For more information about the ECHS AmeriCorps KCC or if you need help with the FAFSA you may contact me:

270-597-2151 or carmon.hughes@edmonson.kyschools.us

You can also find us online:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/KccHughes
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ECHS-KCC-625186698126443
Website:https://sites.google.com/d/1XVC1yCnE23e1h0Ec6xYtUQjkht8O0RAq/p/1c5Jzm-_DW_RtomPq-5gldAMfkzbxVa4v/edit

​--Ms. Carmon Elmore-Hughes
Edmonson County High School AmeriCorps Kentucky College Coach
0 Comments
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