Put Portland recycling to referendum (07/10/2008)

To the editor:

I don't really think that the majority of Portland citizens agree with recycling. The thinking is probably more like if I have to pay the city for it anyway why not?

I also know one woman who recycles to save space in her trash bags that she states are expensive.

I agree with Mr. McCreery. Instead of shoving recycling down the citizens' throats, put it on the ballot as a referendum. Jack Ronald likes to jump to conclusions and consider the vote already in by the participation level. We might be surprised at the outcome. I think most citizens would like to see the recycling charge removed from their monthly bill and not increased.

Jack Ronald is a user of recycled paper for his newspaper. Why wouldn't he be a supporter of recycling? The average individual doesn't understand what recycling really is. It is a money making project for some and a cost reduction for others. The speech is usually delivered under the guise of save space for your grandchildren. What they really mean is save space for imported trash from New York City and other shippers. Landfills are a business and Waste Management, along with their counterparts, have developed it into a lucrative one.

Wake up Portland residents to the fact that you pay to have your recyclables picked up so a chain of other persons can make or save money.

Do you think New York city citizens care how quick your landfill becomes unusable? Do you think they care about your grandchildren? Do you think the majority care how many trees are saved? New York just wants to get rid of trash and the rest of the chain wants to make money or reduce expenditures.

They do manufacture separators to sort plastic, metal, aluminum and paper. Of course, ask yourself why should they invest in those when they can get paid for collecting the work you do for them.

Jack Ronald states, "It is going to take some creative thinking, some incentives and some "nudges" in the right direction". I don't see where the creative thinking comes in. I do understand who receives the incentives and I do think a "nudge" in the right direction would be to put this on the ballot as a referendum. What do you think?

Jim Coleman

Portland

(Editor's note: No trash from states other than Indiana and Ohio is desposited in the Jay County Landfill, according to records from the Indiana Department of Environmental Management).

Great camp

To the editor:

The 58th annual Indiana State Holiness Campmeeting (June 22-29) was one of the very best camps in recent years. Evangelist and teacher Dr. Eldon Neihof was truly anointed and brought out so many truths concerning heart holiness.

The Rev. Neihof, from the Kentucky Mountain Holiness Association, Vancleve, Ky., who brought both the morning and evening messages, was clear and down to earth.

The Unity Quartet from Bluffton and The Christianaires from Pennville were awesome.

This camp has been in operation for many years and it deserves each church's backing.

Pastors all around Jay County should be grateful for such a camp that is inter-denominational and open and available to us all.

Their emphasis and goal is to proclaim to our communities that Jesus Christ can save us from all sin and deliver us from all of life's habits.

Dane Peterson and the Indiana State Holiness Camp Board should be commended for their efforts. What a great group of people.

Sincerely,

Phill Jellison,

Evangelist/pastor,

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