Talking Trash: Recycling Policy Unchanged Until July 1

The Board of Selectmen voted to keep the town’s trash and recycling policy until July 1. In the mean time, the Board will meet in order to hash out a new plan.

“Nobody in the Town of Stoneham has a problem with us looking into the trash issue,” Chairman Bob Sweeney said. “We all want to recycle more and get the best deal that Stoneham can get.”

The Board has debating a 10-year contract with JRM with a potential $10 million price tag, which members of the audience thought was excessive to the extent of shouting and jeering at both Board Members and audience speakers alike.

Selectman Sweeney said that the issue between the town and the Board are having comes down to the way that the process was put through.

“I think personalities came before principals of what our goal was. Unfortunately, there was name calling right off the bat and that’s what turned people off on this. The way we behaved as a Board was pretty embarrassing. As elected officials, it was a poor display of leadership.”

Sweeney reiterated that the Board’s goal, no matter what side of the issue, has been to land the best deal for Stoneham. “To be perfectly honest, this has tested friendships. I have been a friend with (Selectman) Mr. Valerelli my whole life and we have not spoken in about four months. We don’t even talk to one another. What positive will come of this if we act the way we’ve been acting?” Sweeney said. 

After reaching yet another impasse, the Board voted to keep the trash policy until July 1, and that a committee be started without any Selectmen presence on board. Mr. Raggucci and Mr. Grover will continue to research what would be best for the town. Until the new contract is signed, one item will be picked up per week until January 1.