Councilman upset with Waste Management

By By William F. West / community editor
Jan. 22, 2003
Meridian City Councilman Bobby Smith is upset with what he believes is poor service by Waste Management and criticized the company's local representative at Tuesday night's city council meeting.
Meridian's chief administrative officer, Ken Storms, said Waste Management representative Billy Porter gave a routine report to the council and that Smith verbally attacked him.
Waste Management has a contract to pick up household garbage, leaves, limbs and straw in Meridian.
Smith, who represents Ward 5, said he was particularly upset when Porter said Waste Management workers are behind in leaf-and-limb pickups because of the holiday season.
Smith drew an analogy between Waste Management and his own carpet-cleaning business.
Smith said he receives complaints daily and wants residents to contact Mayor John Robert Smith.
Council President Mary Perry, Ward 2, said she receives similar complaints.