Trashing Athens

Notice how ROGER HERNADEZ lists himself as MAYOR?

http://felipeagredano.com/aboutus.aspx

Nice...next Roger will claim he actually has a Masters Degree and a JOB.

How appropriate that the first comment is nothing but GARBAGE! I believe this blog was about Athens, not more of your petulant vile. I guess it is in the right place, the vile is garbage. I'm assuming that Athens must be rolling in our dough since they pay-off all of these elected officials!

Yeah, it's this constant Hernandez-bashing that makes me think he's got to be doing a good job.

Hmmm let's see. Athens was one of the largest campaign contributors to Cathe Wilson and Ken Gillanders in the Temple City race in 2005, and immediately after getting elected the city signed a 30 year agreement with Athens, go figure?

Check ou the money that was contributed to city council in South El Monte. How much can each person recieve to run for office? Is it legal? Can they
vote on issues pertaining to a particular business
or contract if they contribute such large amounts?
Is that not a conflict of interest?

Unfortunately, it is not a conflict of interest as defined under the current laws.....sad, but true. Athens has been VERY creative in obtaining their various city contracts and is ready, willing and able to throw lots of campaign funds out there to get what they are after.....your money.

Tribune News Paper Reporters can you please check on all the cities who have a contract with Athens. I think it would be an eye opener for all of us to see who is getting what from WHOM!!!!

Forget water boards, if you really want to find: money, corruption and dirty backroom dealings...PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE look into the entire trash industry in the San Gabriel Valley. I think you'll find plenty of interesting stuff to right about and you might also PUT AN END to YEARS AND YEARS OF ENTRENCHED CORRUPTION.

Haven't you every heard the saying when you ASSUME something you make and ASS (out of) U (and) ME.....

You all are ASSUMING that people that take donations are corrupt... that's wrong!

However, I can say the issue with the cost of the trash disposal now that is an issue. I don't think it's just Athens, there all expensive... however if any of you ever ran a business you might experience how expensive it is to run a business and meet all California laws.. it costs a bundle. And I would bet the trash haulers not only have to pay high fuel prices but the cost of insurance and all the requiments to dispose and remove YOUR trash is astronomical.

I think you all need to really look at our world and educate yourself on how a business operates before you start bad mouthing them....... Everything is over priced... so ask yourself WHY?????

I don't think anyone is making assumptions - the record is clear, those city officials who have received unusually large campaign donations have voted to support NO BID contracts with Athens.
It may not be corruption as defined under the law, but it is buying influence and Athens is great at it.

Sure, all business operations are facing mounting costs. Unfortunately, we have NO idea what other trash haulers would charge us....as they were never given an opportunity to submit a bid to provide the services! Instead, Athens is given out multi-million dollars contracts with NO shopping, NO comparison, NO bidding....well you get the idea.

It is time these practices were put to an end. The local laws should be changed to require city officials to put such contracts out for bid/RFP. (in an open and transparent fashion)

What I think you will fined is an awarding process that is driven more by the economic interests of the haulers and the politicians they donate too and less about diversion (recycling and source reduction etc) or better/cheaper service to the customer.

JENNIFER/TANIA: Again, I implore you. If you really want to look into a dirty messy industry look no further than trash.

Here is a key policy consideration too. In a few years Puente Hills will be closing which means there will be a mad scamble for dumping space. This is a public policy concern and just as with water we need to make sure that the people making decisions are not acting in their own self-interest rather than the public interest.

Anonymous - YES, there are many people here implying that the council members are corrupt... by saying things like "pay off all these elected officials"... questioning if it's legal...

You can just look at other city's that use other trash haulers than Athens and see the price comparisons.

There are only a few trash haulers around due to the cost of the requirments to operate such a company. The city provides their councils with rate comparisons with other local companies when they are reviewing the contracts....

The trash companies donate to many charitiable organizations too. I guess when you donate you are questioned. When you accept it your questioned too.

Its simple Athens pays off elected officials

What the trash companies give in "charitable donations" is a pittance compared to what they make off a lucrative contract. It really is nothing more than bread crums.

Just wondering? The person who goes by "Voter", which City Councilperson is that? And for which City? And how much does Athens donate to them?

Questions - I would never be on a council... I know some political people and see what they go through. Just my observations....

I just think it's bizzare that so many people make harsh accusations and really have no clue... just stuff they make up... have fun..

Athens makes political contributions to city council candidates and when they win those cities sign long-term contracts with Athens. I'm now hearing that school districts are doing the same. Do your school district candidates receive money from Athens? Which school districts have recently signed with Athens? Why doesn't the Tribune write about this? It would be nice to see a story about the amount of money that Athens has given to candidates.