Letters to the Editor

Smells Like Garbage
Editor: For more than a century, the people of Old Forge have been able to accomplish whatever tasks have come our way. We have established schools, roads, families, sports titles, businesses, churches, community pride and our citizens have paved their own ways for individual success.
Now, it troubles me to think that someday this town may no longer be as attractive, healthy or community spirited as it is once was. This is a result of people continuing to drift away from our town with talks of a landfill expansion in our backyard. 
The gorgeous mountains of NEPA have been whacked with an ugly stick ever since Alliance Landfill came around.  Now, with the expansion, Old Forge residents and all members of the Triboro area can be affected by the political and economic decisions made between our political leaders and the Waste Management Corp.
We need to keep reminding them that no amount of money is enough to buy our town. Especially when a select few will make millions off of this deal and the Old Forge residents might see a hundred bucks here and there over time.
The cultural history of the Austin Heights region goes beyond the founding of our town. This region is home to hundreds of Old Forge residents who have made lifetimes of memories in their homes. With an expansion, their backyards will get the pleasure of seeing Alliance Landfill in full view.
Furthermore, is the landfill safe as it is now? Just think about what you throw away. 
We don’t know what’s buried underground, but I do know the mountain looks horrible when you drive into the region. An expansion will drive out future generations of Old Forge residents and drive down the cost of Old Forge properties.  Alliance Landfill is a part of the Waste Management Corp. that holds its corporate offices in Texas. Do we want to really let people from other states try to bribe our community teams, schools, churches, or projects?  Or do we not want to be played as the puppets of a group of businessmen looking to reap enormous profits off of expanding into our mountain? They do not care about our community, residents or citizens. They just want to make lots of money and find the smallest town they can bribe with all of their money. 
It’s easy to say “no” to bribes when it makes you question the morality of something. I told John Hambrose of Alliance Landfill “no,” when he offered me scholarship money and I will say it here again —the people of Old Forge cannot be bought and we will not see our town turn into a ghost town because of your greedy garbage mentality. 
If something smells like garbage, doesn’t that mean stay away?

Richard Maopolski
Old Forge

Thank You
Editor: I would like to say thank you to everyone who generously donated to the recent borough toy drive which benefited the Catholic Social Services during the holiday season. Your thoughtfulness helped make the holidays brighter for so many of our area children.

MaryLynn Bartoletti,
Old Forge Borough manager
 

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