Re. the Dec. 10 article “Officials say public works crews ‘chasing garbage'”: I am appalled at the actions of Arnold Mayor Larry Milito and most of council.

Councilwoman Karen Peconi is trying to do the right thing. The garbage situation in this city is atrocious.

So while Peconi is doing something about garbage and overtime, the mayor and council distance themselves from her efforts. Why?

Arnold is in financial trouble and trying to reduce costs is a valid concern. Milito and the rest of council should applaud her.

I remember the mayor saying he would “change the all-boys club” that dominates council. But that didn't happen and things got worse for the women in our city.

We need to be in our place? Who says that anymore? Old-school mentality reigns in Arnold.

City regulations state all garbage should be placed in cans with lids in the alley. Yet, we have councilmen and garbagemen who don't have lids on their cans.

Why would the citizens follow the rules if our leaders don't? I guess it's “Do as we say, not do as we do”?

I'm quite sure public works foreman Joe DeMeo and Councilwoman Peconi will work with the citizens who can't place their garbage in the alley due to extenuating circumstances. This should be done on a case-by-case basis.

I thank Peconi and DeMeo for doing the right thing for Arnold.

Melissa Charlton

Arnold

---

Copyright ©2025— Trib Total Media, LLC (TribLIVE.com)

---