Dear UA Neighbors and Friends:

As voters, this year we have many important decisions to make. We are writing to ask you to join us in voting NO on Issue 52, the initiative to overturn the City’s decision to privatize solid waste disposal. The ramifications of your vote are enormous!

Privatization was the result of over 18 months of public meetings and analysis, resulting in a sound business decision supported by a unanimous vote of City Council.

Issue 52, if passed, would require Upper Arlington to breach its contract with Inland Services and be responsible for any contract damages.  Even before that cost, to begin in-house collections again would be at least $8,000,000 in the first year, which is four times what the City pays Inland per year now. Our city budget cannot absorb such costs and the residents of UA will bear that burden through higher sticker prices (likely $6.00+).

The benefits of privatization are already being realized:

• The City has reduced its fuel consumption by nearly 30% so far in 2008.
• The City’s Workers’ Compensation premium reduction is estimated at almost $300,000 annually.
• The City is able to hold down costs to residents while continuing its commitment to recycling.
• And, following the wind damage from Hurricane Ike, Inland Services brought in extra crews and picked up yard waste daily, at no additional charge.  Before privatizing, the City didn’t have the staff or resources to respond in this way.

Advocates for Upper Arlington believe there is much to be proud of:

• Receipt of AAA rating from two of the nation’s top credit rating agencies. UA is one of only four cities in Ohio to have this rating!

• The Finance Department receives annual awards (over the last 20 years) for outstanding budgeting and financial reporting.
• UA is one of the safest cities in Central Ohio, and beyond, with an outstanding Police Department that has been an accredited agency since 1993.
• And so much more!!

It’s time to celebrate Upper Arlington! Please join us in Voting NO on Issue 52, and enjoy and appreciate all that UA has to offer—excellent city services and schools, an open door to new businesses, beautiful neighborhoods, and a bright future.

Respectfully,

Advocates for Upper Arlington