Public input is vital to landfill expansion process

It is great to see the interest generated by the landfill expansion.

Waste Management is not necessarily good or bad- they are just a company trying to maximize profits. There is room for a neighborhood council review and an advisory committee, as well as a paid professional critical review. Waste Management has their experts, including, I believe, an ex-mayor of Simi, to lobby their position on their payrolls.

Once all the items are on the table, the expansion should be put to vote by all the citizens of Simi Valley. Waste Management would put their best offer forward, and the citizens of Simi would determine if it is the best interest of our community.

Communities vote on items such as Wal-Mart superstores and mall expansions. Why not a landfill that will impact Simi for at least 50 years?

Communities often fare better when a company has to convince thousands of people a project is in their best interest rather than a few council members.

It seems, besides the size increase, the real issue may be the doubling of the disposable trash intake from 3,000 to 6,000 tons daily. That seems like a lot more trucks but until all the facts are in we just won't know.

I applaud our council members for their concern and hope the people of Simi get a chance to vote and make an informed democratic decision on a very important issue. Rob Lornet Simi Valley