To the editor:

I participated in the recent public forum sponsored by the city’s Solid Waste Task Force. On the surface, the forum has the effect of the task force appearing to be interested in the thoughts of citizens so they can proceed with a recommendation they already seem predisposed to regardless of very legitimate concerns put forth. It doesn’t seem they’ve done their due diligence in determining a system that is equitable and offers a choice to residents.

I listened to the mayor offer responses to points of concern. After leaving, I came to wonder how it is that the mayor is allowed to lead a task force that comes up with a recommendation he fostered and favors and in turn gets to vote on. It seems quite improper. Whether it’s a clear case of conflict of interest or not, if Mayor Cromwell has any integrity he will recuse himself from the final vote by the City Commission.