Dive summary:
- Ashley Swearengin, the mayor of Fresno, Calif., is watching the city solid waste plan dissolve after a vote to privatize city collection was grossly opposed by residents and city union workers.
- The city decided to outsource garbage collection because of an insufficient budget, Swearengin warns that if the city has to continue supporting waste collection they will be forced to make draconian cuts including laying off police officers and closing fire stations.
- Close to 40,000 signatures have been collected to support the waste union, if a resolution is not reached the city will be forced to hold a special election, which will cost an estimated $1 million.
From the article:
The Fresno County Clerk's Office verified more than 27,000 of those signatures. That's enough to delay the implementation of the franchise with Mid-Valley Disposal and hold a special election to let the people decide.
Mayor Ashley Swearengin was visibly upset afterwards, saying she was disappointed with the outcome. She says because of the delay in the switchover, dozens of layoffs are coming in the next two weeks to keep the city financially afloat.
Swearengin said, "We will have to do further layoffs and keep police officers off the streets, look at closing fire stations and other draconian cuts should the franchise ultimately not be approved by the voters." ...
