Being a local contractor I spend a lot of time at the facility, so last week I took an informal survey and discovered that the workers would rather enjoy the holidays with their family despite being paid an significant overtime wage for their efforts. I also discovered that most residents are unaware that the station is open. Less than 30 people brought in their trash on July 4. So why is it open? Not only is it disrespectful, it's a waste of workers' time and taxpayers' money.

The transfer station board of directors who are appointed by the towns of Boothbay Harbor, Boothbay, Southport and Edgecomb have deemed that the facility remain open. Perhaps one of the reasons is that Giles Rubbish services, the only independent trash collector in the region, wants it open.

Giles has served our area for over a half century. It provides an important benefit to folks who can not, or choose not to make the trip to the station. It is understandable that the company feels the need for convenient access. But who really benefits? Private trash collection services in other Maine towns pay over $125 a ton to empty their trucks. Giles is not charged to dump its rubbish collections.