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Dear Editor,

I am writing in response to the proposed closing of the recycle center by the City Council. Many of us in the community rely on the center for our recycling needs. It is a wonderful service that Johnson City provides. In these times of great concern for the planet: oil spills, global warming, and carbon emissions; our community must continue any and all efforts to support our environment. I applaud the effort to create the center in the first place and the commitment to keep it working thus far.

According to the report reviewed at the last City Council meeting, the recycle center is a drain on the city budget. However, the primary cost is for employees; these employees live and buy locally, so in turn they provide support back to the community. Additionally, I understand that the proposal is to utilize the center for other city employees and services. Part of the plan would be to move several city offices. How much will the moves cost? Do they substantially offset the cost of the recycle center? I would also refer to many other small towns that manage to run profitable recycling businesses. Perhaps we can learn from their successes.

If the center closes, those of us who cannot get our recycling picked up will have to drive to Blanco. That’s not very "green", driving 30-40 miles to recycle increases our drain on the environment.

We urge the council to keep the recycle center and ask for support from the entire community. Please let them know how important this is to Johnson City and the planet.

Amy Spellmann