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Commentary: Newport trash outsourcing should go to voters

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Newport Beach is unique. We have seven villages and Newport Coast. We have the most prestigious golf club in America. We have beaches, harbors, parks and now we even have a hugely overpriced Civic Center.

We have a grand variety of celebrities that include Kobe Bryant and Bob Costas. We are named as an end destination for every conceivable major event, including the Susan G. Komen run and the Toshiba golf tournament. We have the famous Balboa Bay Club and many more historical yacht clubs. We have a variety of restaurants and hotels, either on the water or with ocean views.

We even have a now-famous Balboa Island Parade. We have the annual Boat Parade at Christmas and one on the Fourth of July. We have an annual yacht race to Cabo. We even have some expensive motorcar dealers that rank in the Top 10 in the United States and perhaps the world.

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Having said that, we have great fire and police departments, and we have the best trash collection system in California.

Do we separate our trash? Do we put bottles in one barrel, plastic in another, paper in another and waste products like transmission oil or furniture in another?

No, we don’t. We are unique, aren’t we? One size does not fit all areas of our city. Some areas are planned, new, mega-mansions, some are one-bedroom apartments over garages! Some areas are gated, some are open unlocked trash cans and bins available to anyone who wants to look into them or take whatever they want for recycling.

The city staff of Newport Beach has published an 85-page report, telling of the great things that the low-cost bidder CC&R will bring to Newport trash collection.

This is an outrage of monumental proportions for simply one reason — the inconvenience factor!

Mother Winship passed away back in March of 1977 after having lived in Cameo Shores since 1959. Pass this, and she will surely be rolling over in her grave.

You want recycling — require that all bottles and cans go in one bag. Our guess is that your code enforcement people will be busy for about 20 years. This is Newport Beach — and unique! We don’t care whether we are the last city in Orange County to have hand collection or the last city in the United States.

You don’t need to change our trash system without a vote of the people, plain and simple!

RON and ANNA WINSHIP live in Corona del Mar.

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