While we include Mayors from 7 of the largest 10 cities in the state, we also include Pine Valley Borough, population 19. We have also been joined by others who are concerned, including The New Jersey Environmental Federation, an umbrella organization of several environmental groups. These groups and the Mayors' Task Force all see waste flow control for what it really is - a garbage tax that feeds the bureaucratic monoliths called county utility authorities. These utility authorities maintain a stranglehold over towns like mine by forcing us to use their product and only their product. This government intervention where it does not belong simply adds another layer to an already bloated bureaucracy.
Today is a time where politicians talk of reducing bureaucracy and balancing budgets.
Federal legislation to permit flow control puts us on a diametrically opposite path. This tipping fee plays havoc with my budget forcing me to divert badly needed funds for infrastructure, police and public safety to garbage disposal. The balance of Bergen's waste which was bid in the free market obtained a price of 42.75 for transportation and disposal. Recently I sought a non flow control alternative for Northvale's disposal. Suffice it to say you would all have great job security.