To the Editor:

This letter is in regards to Mr. Irving’s letter, “Take pride in Wareham?...Not!” of June 16. I would like to thank Mr. Irving for putting into words what I have been attempting to get across for more than 10 years as a home and business owner residing in Onset.

His letter echoes my and many other concerned citizens’ frustrations about the state of litter and trash and the lack of its consistent and timely collection.

While there have been and continue to be many who volunteer their time and resources to combat this chronic problem, the issue remains.

Our town's Municipal Maintenance Department does not at present have the ability to guarantee coverage of trash removal. This task now falls into the hands of other town employees, creating a domino effect and taxing an already overworked staff. We simply cannot rely on volunteers alone to carry the burden of cleaning up if the town cannot at least meet us half way!

The time to act is now. We need to address attitudes and policies that will result in firm, long-term solutions to the problem and change levels of acceptance to zero-tolerance for littering our streets and beaches.

We need to start a conversation with key town officials and departments (Municipal Maintenance, Board of Health, Police, School Department, Board of Selectmen, etc.) to bring about positive change to our current policies.

We need to find the resources necessary to ensure our trash receptacles have proper covers and are emptied on a regular basis.Did you know that many nearby towns have solar-powered trash compactors and recycling stations on their sidewalks?

I am sure that Animal Control would benefit from less trash and litter, which attracts skunks, foxes, opossums, and coyotes to our neighborhoods, parks, and beaches.

It is my intention to introduce an anti-litter campaign to the Town of Wareham via the Board of Selectman and Town Meeting processes. My hope is to be put on the Selectmen's agenda and feature a slideshow presentation addressing this very pressing problem, which I have documented for the past five years. I will be suggesting enhanced enforcement of litter clean-up and a pack-it-in/pack-it-out, leave-only-footprints approach. I welcome all ideas.

Though my primary focus has been Onset's streets, parks, and beaches, I am now reaching out to all areas of the town. At this time I am urging any and all citizens ready to make a positive change to show their support for a new anti-litter campaign. Join the conversation to bring about real lasting solutions and find the resources to bring an end to our town’s litter problems and help change attitudes about what is an acceptable and what is a healthy standard-of-living for this beautiful beach community.

To join the anti-litter campaign contact me: David S.Willis at tesnohouse@hotmail.com 508-873-0342.

David S. Willis

Onset