As the owner/operator of Rapid Redemption, I’m no stranger to the bottle laws. I have done the workshops and hearings. I have sat across the table from distributors and their lobbyists. I have looked the enemy in his cold, dark eyes.

Sound dramatic? Well, it is. Just like all the rest of the drama everyone else is slinging about the bottle laws.

Fact is, it is a worthwhile and valuable industry that is a huge benefit to the people, particularly the elderly and the poor. Fact is, we support our communities through bottle drives. The facts also point out our industry still needs work.

Quite frankly, if we want to be responsible stewards of this valuable and important recycling stream, we should be evaluating those laws on a regular basis, to maximize potential — both savings and earnings.

Sen. Chris Rector, R-Thomaston, was a solid voice of reason during the last legislation.

His bill is an example of the changes needed, not a sign that the end is near. Thirty-five years have passed since the bill was first enacted. Let’s not wait another 35 years to see the system perfected.

Let’s dig in and work together to streamline this system. With the right input from distributors and redemption centers, we can protect this vital resource.

The time has come to work together. It’s what the people want.

Mark Ferguson, Poland Spring