To the Editor:
A local resident reported a problem at a meeting of the Avalon Borough Council. Insufficiently covered dumpsters were leaving a trail of litter as they traveled through the borough on their way to the landfill. With the tremendous amount of construction going on in Avalon and Stone Harbor this problem was worsening. Enforcement of littering laws was difficult, as the offenders had to be caught in the act to be fined.
Avalon officials came up with a plan to require all dumpsters to be securely covered in transit, preventing spilled litter and making enforcement easier; if you are not covered, you are in violation.
During the process of enacting the ordinance, an issue concerning the safety of the dumpster truck drivers was raised and the ordinance was tabled to investigate. After looking into the matter, borough officials determined that the enactment of the law posed no safety issue, and the ordinance was rescheduled for public hearing and a vote on adoption.
This is how you do it right. Bring your issues to the local governing body, state your case and request action. I love Spout Off, but while anonymous complaints may be fun to read the real way to get it done is by spouting off at your town meetings.
Win or lose, you make your voice heard in the right place. It is nice to see a problem dealt with in a thoughtful, professional manner, and I applaud Avalon officials as well as the citizen who brought the issue to them.
Bruce Loversidge, Avalon
