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Nazareth, Pa., United States

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Hanover Tp Asked About Bethlehem's Single Hauler Plan

Glenn Walbert
Don't worry. Hanover Township plans no litigation against Allentown or Bethlehem this year. Yet. It's not in their budget. But how does mostly Republican Hanover Township feel about all the trash talk over a single hauler in mostly Democrat Bethlehem? Are the Republicans in the 'burbs laughing at the Dems in the 'hood?

Quite the opposite. To a man, Supervisors and Manager Jay Finnigan agree with Callahan in principle. So do Upper Nazareth Supervisors, who decided last month to hire a single hauler for trash removal.

"It's a no-brainer," states Township Manager Jay Finnigan, who has often been mentioned as the only Republican who could compete in a Northampton County Executive race against Callahan. "The economics are just overwhelming," adds Supervisor Steve Salvesen, who earlier that evening took a shot at President Obama. Under a single hauler, he is paying $130 per month less than he did thirty-four years ago, when he first moved into the Township.

Supervisor Glenn Walbert, who has been following the Bethlehem debate with interest, heard the same pros and cons when a single hauler was proposed in Hanover six years ago. He remembers one elderly lady who claimed she left a quarter under her garbage can. But he and Salvesen also remember that many residents had to go through a half dozen haulers before finding one who  would take what they wanted.

In January, Supervisors awarded a new five-year single hauler contract that actually reduces the monthly fee for most residents from $395 to just $245, and even lower if paid early. But Finnigan added that administrative costs for mailing and collecting bills are only between $1,800 and $3,800.

This Hanover attitude proves the maxim that there's no Democratic or Republican way to fix a pothole. Or pick up trash. Supervisors even had some good suggestions for two very legitimate concerns expressed by those who would like to keep the current system of 19 independent haulers.

First concern. What about the senior citizen on a fixed income who might have just one bag a week? Should she pay the same as everyone else? - No, answered Walbert. He pointed out that in Whitehall Township, fees are discounted or outright waived for seniors who qualify for certain state benefits.

DCED Director Joe Kelly, in Bethlehem, later said that possibility is being considered.

Second concern. Won't this put mom-and-pops out of business? - Not at all. They could form a collective and bid like everyone else.

Bethlehem's City Council considered Callahan's single-hauler proposal last night, but I was unable to get into the room and unable to hear in the hallway. Looks like Bob Donchez and Eric Evans are leaning against a single hauler. Dave DiGiacinto thinks cost could skyrocket, even though Hanover's experience is the reverse.

Oh yeah, Public Works Director Vince Milite had some advice that Bethlehem could use, too. He insists rock salt is much better than salt brine during Winter storms. Bethlehem uses salt brine.

32 comments:

Anonymous said...

"Township Manager Jay Finnigan, who has often been mentioned as the only Republican who could win a Northampton County Executive race against Callahan".

Right Bernie, mentioned by you. Ron Angle's former camapaign manager and patronage manager job recepient would not beat any of the Democratic candidates that have been mentioned. You really are smoking that funny bromance weed again Bernie.

Bernie O'Hare said...

Actually, I have heard his name mentioned here several times. I have repeatedly said he won't leave a $108,000 per year job where he is well-regarded and out of politics for one that is a nightmare and pays less and involves assholes like you. And no, he did not get his job thru Angle. That's nonsense form someone who thinks that's the way things should work.

Anonymous said...

Due to the Hatch Act he would have to resign from his job to run for a position he would never win. So yes, you are correct, he won't leave the job he was given by former Republican comrades that served with him as a supervisor.

Bernie O'Hare said...

You have no frickin' clue abut the Hatch Act, and how it applies.

Anonymous said...

He recieves and uses federal funds in his job as a township manager. Simple really, he can't run for a partisan politcal position while holding his job.

Bernie O'Hare said...

You are completely full of shit.I have the 2013 Budget, which shows no federal dollars going into Hanover's coffers. Come up with some other lie.

Anonymous said...

Good. Hope he runs. THe Federal AG will be notified and they can give him a clean bill of health.

Uncle Remus said...

too bad u couldn't get into bethlums meeting. wanted to whisper some things in your ear

Bernie O'Hare said...

I'd like to meet you, whoever you are. I tried to get in, but was unable, and could not really hear in the hallway bc of all the other conversations going on.

Anonymous said...

The reason Bernie could not get in the meeting was because of all the trash haulers. They were told to throw out the trash.

Ya gotta love it.

Uncle Remus said...

the public and the haulers saw right thru callahans money grab. maybe the haulers are smarter then he. shame, single hauler would work

one of my favorite subjects came up. all those city vehicles going home each night. got no comment from council or admin. question is why they don't see this as a money saver?

Uncle Remus said...

one of these days BO, one of these days

and you'll never guess.

these fools who think i am kelly, hickey or rolf aren't even close

tell you this - callahan is like a timex. he takes a licking and keeps on kicking

Uncle Remus said...

Bo, I feel for you. anon cowards 3:06, 3:14, 3:16 and 3:17 are obviously wacked out druggies, either that or bethlum council dimwitts

Anonymous said...

Remus, the single hauler may be a good idea. The problem is a trust factor. People don't trust John Callahan in Bedlam. He has lied aobut the gaming revenue freezing taxes and has been caught in other less than transparent situations.

So while it may be a good idea, it probably won't fly if Callahan is pitching it.

Anonymous said...

@3:16 sounds like a complete wracked out druggie to me.

Dick

Anonymous said...

All Bethlehem has to do is look at Palmer, Hanover, Whitehall, Northampton, South Whitehall and so on and see that opponents of a single hauler system fears of cost increases and poor service are simply bogus. These municipalities and the majority of those in the Commonwealth are doing just fine and making some bucks for their muni coffers. This so called debate in the City is boring and tiresome. Move on!

Anonymous said...

There is no need for governmental bodies to be in the garbage business. Citizens have successfully contracted for their own collection for years.

Perhaps governments should contract for our groceries and lawn care, as well.

Before politicians started squawking about a single hauler, there was no cry for changes to garbage collection. Who's clamoring for this? Somebody in government has likely made a sweet deal with somebody in garbage.

Somebody's friendship is about to be rewarded.

Anonymous said...

This dabate is comical..As I mentioned yesterday, no councilman running next year that is not politically suicidal will support single hauler..Donchez and Reynolds, both running for Mayor, are smart enough to realize this..Belinski has always opposed it and Digiancento is also agaist it..With Evans opposition that makes five opposed lol..It's done..It's toast..Give it up already! Evans and Donchez are right..The people in the city want choice and they are willing to pay the extra $10 a month to get it..It's a fact, it's actual, everything is satisfactual,lol..Zippity doo da..It's done! No single hauler in bethlehem..Read the tea leaves..

Bernie O'Hare said...

"Bo, I feel for you. anon cowards 3:06, 3:14, 3:16 and 3:17 are obviously wacked out druggies, either that or bethlum council dimwitts"

I've deleted a good 20 between that time and now that are designed to prevent meaningful discussion. It's actually an attempt to shout down some of my readers. It's been going on for the past few days, since my Lincoln post.

I refuse to enable moderation. It is a lot easier to delete than to post nonsense, and blogger is set up that I can delete quite a few comments at once. So the troll is wasting his time. But that's what I expect from people rolling around on the floor, foaming at the mouth.

Anonymous said...

states Township Manager Jay Finnigan, who has often been mentioned as the only Republican who could compete in a Northampton County Executive race against Callahan

And take a $40,000 a year pay cut? No way a Republican would do this, His wife would KILL him.

J.C.

Anonymous said...

In Allentow, there was no "bill". It was just part of the city services included in your taxes.

So much handwringing over nothing.

Anonymous said...

Seriously, Fiinegan compete against callahan? That is laughable..The only republican that could beat him out their is Peg Ferraro and she doesnt want the job..Finnegan? LOL

Anonymous said...

There is no need for governmental bodies to be in the garbage business.

Sure there is. There is no reason for a small development to have trash cans out at different houses each day of the week and have smelly trash trucks making racket every single day of the week because everyone has different haulers.

Anonymous said...

This dabate is comical..As I mentioned yesterday, no councilman running next year that is not politically suicidal will support single hauler..Donchez and Reynolds, both running for Mayor, are smart enough to realize this..Belinski has always opposed it and Digiancento is also agaist it..With Evans opposition that makes five opposed lol..It's done..It's toast..Give it up already! Evans and Donchez are right..The people in the city want choice and they are willing to pay the extra $10 a month to get it..It's a fact, it's actual, everything is satisfactual,lol..Zippity doo da..It's done! No single hauler in bethlehem..Read the tea leaves..

I want a choice FOR WHAT? What do I care WHO picks up the trash? I want to choose who has the prettiest truck?

Anonymous said...

Dude can't help himself.

Anonymous said...

Dudes a phoney.

Anonymous said...

Dudes a chick, man!

Anonymous said...

So ... a Democrat's wife would not kill their husband for taking a $ 40,000 a year paycut?

READY TO BELIEVE ANYTHING NOW

Anonymous said...

Finnigan would kick Callahan's butt. Just ask Callahan.

Anonymous said...

Bernie-

Is it impossible for them to retain individual haulers and simply zone the city into two pick up days only?

Would that not appease everyone, except the mayor who is drooling over the 500,000?


VOR

Bernie O'Hare said...

VOR, That certainly would solve part of the problem. I don't think it answers the concern of those who are dumping their waste on the streets. It also does nopt deliver the resident the best bang for his buck. It does not address many of the items that would be picked up under a single hauler. But to some extewnt, it would imrove the apperarance of the City.

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