To the editor:
Athens City’s solid waste collection contract was recently assigned to a large private for-profit company, rather than to the local nonprofit that has served Athens since 1984, providing Ohio’s first curbside recycling service. As we head into February, please remember that the staff of Athens Hocking Recycling Center has an uncertain future as of January 1. Athens City was the AHRC’s largest account, and the nonprofit will soon be forced to lay off workers.
However, there is another way forward that can benefit both Athens City and AHRC. The best path our community can take now to preserve the AHRC and its local jobs is to create a regional council, also known as a council of governments, to efficiently manage solid waste in our region.
The Athens Hocking Solid Waste District and the City of Athens are both considering establishing such a COG. A COG will open up more opportunities for local employment and allow its members a longer planning time frame to develop truly sustainable systems of waste management. Once the COG is officially in place, the city can end its current contract with 60 days’ notice. AHRC will then transfer its staff and equipment to the council of governments, allowing the COG to manage our region’s solid waste without disruption.
The good union jobs at AHRC have provided a living wage and health insurance for 35+ residents. We are a small community that needs to retain every good, homegrown job that we can. People who live and work here also spend locally, contributing to a strong economy. But every month that goes by without committing to a COG leaves the staff of AHRC wondering whether they will lose their livelihoods and even need to move away to find employment. Imagine the stress this must cause the families of these workers, and the difficulties the AHRC will face if the city delays taking action.
Please urge the mayor and city council members to act swiftly to establish a council of governments in order to grow the assets and human resources that many community leaders have worked for years to develop. Building on the strengths of each member of the council of governments, we can accomplish more together.
Christine Hughes and Bob O’Neil, Village Bakery & Cafe
Michelle Ajamian, Shagbark Seed & Mill
Cameron Fuller, Devil’s Kettle Brewing
Gary Easton, Appalachian Renewable Power
Riley and Valerie Kinnard, Kindred Market
John Gutekanst, Avalanche Pizza
Ken Henderson, Green Edge Gardens
Paul Tomcho, Creekside Farm
Sean White and Jimmy Stockwell, Little Fish Brewing Company
Ronda Clark, Blackberry Sage Farm
Victoria Taylor, Snowville Creamery
