Blog: Is it Time to Privatize City Services?

I write this with utter frustration with our city services. Like many other conscientious Angelenos, we try to recycle, thus faithfully utilizing the blue trash container. And it’s obvious that most people on our block do the same as I observe the blue cans out up and down the street.

But here is the frustration thing: For the fifth time this year, the city has not picked up the blue-colored recycling bins from our entire block on both sides of the street.

For the umpteenth time, I called various city agencies, including the local City Council offices, only to be shuffled around. Finally I called the sanitation department, the agency in charge of trash pickup.

Instead of leaving my info with the operator, I requested to talk to a supervisor. After a lengthy hold, I was told he would be with me shortly. But after 20 minutes, no one was on the line. I decided to call the mayor's office—only to be sent to a voice mail recording. I left a message and have yet to hear back.

If this were an election year, elected officials would go head over heels to appease us. But not now!

Meanwhile, our bins remain uncollected. And the fees continue to appear on our utility bills, despite the fact that we are not getting the service. My neighbors and I are thinking maybe it is time to privatize city services, eliminate these overpaid union workers and possibly get a better value for our dollars by getting the services we pay for on a consistent basis.

I can understand missing pickups once in a while. But routinely? And whole blocks? Give me a break!

Finally, thanks for letting me vent and jump on the outsourcing bandwagon for a change.