vlad.tribnet.com / Issue #148 / Opinion / Reading article...

Last week we asked readers if Russia was too risky to invest in. Few (well, none) dared venture a response. But Frank Feuerbacher of Austin, Texas, had some thoughts about our last topic – garbage.

I enjoyed reading your newspaper very much. I am very saddened by what your people are going through in this time of change. Your comments about the necessity of having an open budget process are very true. Over here, the process is open and the politicians would be impeached and thrown in jail for what yours appear to be doing.

Regarding suggestions about what to do about the trash:

A few years back there was a big strike by the New York city garbage collectors. Some people would put their trash in a nice gift-wrapped box and leave it in their cars at night. Criminals would come by and steal the boxes.

How about mailing the trash to the mayor?

How about mailing it/hauling it to the power brokers in the city, be they elected official or not?

Keep up the good work. A free press that can inform the public, and get them mad about what is wrong, is essential to getting any improvements.

Frank Feuerbacher
Austin, Texas, USA

P.S. If you want to see the budget of Austin, Texas. It is at: http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/budget/