First of all, let me assure you that I am a free-enterprise capitalist. I am a small-business coach and the author of an online business development program that helps small businesses survive and prosper.
However, the enemy of free-enterprise is monopoly. As soon as a business or small group of businesses take control of an industry, arrogance and abuse sometimes follow. For 16 years I have lived on Esplanade in Lakeport. For 16 years, 7 a.m. is the earliest any gigantic garbage truck has come rumbling down our narrow street.
When they do, it sounds like Soviet tanks invading Prague. But again, the earliest arrival has been 7 a.m. Now suddenly, one of the three trucks arrives at 5:30 a.m., shaking houses, setting off car alarms on the street and waking everyone in the middle of the night.
Why? When I called the owner of the disposal company, I was told that the company has a contract with the city to start at 5:30 a.m. and that my neighborhood is a high traffic area.
There is no traffic on Main Street or Esplanade before 7:45 a.m. You could stand there counting cars and die of boredom. I am writing to ask anyone and everyone to write to Public Works, City of Lakeport, 225 Park St., Lakeport, CA 95453 if they want a new contract with another company negotiated.
Tom Bardeen
Lakeport
