Once again, the Twin Cities have failed the people. While each has done so separately, the issue is common to both, and the parochialism which seems to infect many leaders has, once again, prevented a greater good for the community at large.

On July 1, the city of Lewiston will begin single-sort curbside recycling. That means all items in a single marked container, the contents of which will be collected and sorted elsewhere. While it may save a small amount of money for the city, there were mistakes made that city leaders chose to ignore, despite suggestions made.

The first of those mistakes was in not offering a new container for homeowners, something recognizable and easily collected by curbside service. The cost of said item could have been spread over the life of the contract, and advertising could be sold on containers to reduce costs.

The second mistake is in not working in partnership with Auburn, where officials did have the wisdom to collect recyclables every other week, a service which if offered in Lewiston would have allowed alternating weeks of pickup in each community. Sharing that cost, reducing the trucks on the road and fossil fuels used would have sent a clear message that we wish to be a more green community.

Lastly, neither community has made any changes that encourage people to recycle more, or to punish those who choose to ignore recycling opportunities.

Doing so would be better for the environment and extend the life of the landfill.

Robert Reed, Lewiston