The following is an ‘Ask The Mayor’ question submitted to TLS, and the Mayor’s response. Email your questions for the Mayor to [email protected].

Question:

Dear Mayor Coles,

I hope this letter finds you well, and I want to extend my congratulations on your recent re-election. We appreciate your dedication to our Town.

Today, I’d like to address a recurring issue that has been causing confusion regarding garbage pickup schedules especially during weeks like this one that coincides with public holidays. As per the Lakewood Township website, the township observes the following holidays: New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King’s Birthday, Lincoln’s Birthday, President’s Day/Washington’s Birthday, Good Friday, Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Election Day, Veteran’s Day, Thanksgiving Day, day after Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day.

The problem is the uncertainty surrounding garbage pickup days during holiday weeks, particularly when two holidays fall within the same week. This leads to confusion among us residents, resulting in missed garbage collection days and frustration. Today garbage was picked on its regular day despite being a week with a holiday leaving many with their trash not picked up. Even contacting the Department of Public Works (DPW) for clarification doesn’t provide answers as the good people working there although trying to be helpful but are unfortunately equally confused.

To address this issue and improve communication between the township and its residents, I would like to propose that the Department of Public Works have a corner in one of our local weekly printed publications as well as a dynamic space on the township website that will be updated weekly and would serve as a platform for the DPW to communicate the garbage pickup schedule for each of the four zones during regular and holiday weeks, along with any other important announcements.

Thank you for considering this proposal, and I look forward to a resolution that benefits our community.

Sincerely,

Israel A

Response from Mayor Coles:

Thank you for your kind words and support. I am truly grateful to our fellow residents for giving me the opportunity to continue to serve our great town

I share your sentiments. I was one of those confused by the 2 holiday week. I’m lucky enough to have the director’s personal cell phone so I managed to get my cans out on Tuesday!

I agree with your suggestions and am asking our public works director for institute them.

Thanks for reaching out.

Ray

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