Editor, Manteca Bulletin,
After writing a letter to the City Council about the garbage rate hikes (to which you referred in your Friday column), I had a nice, explanatory reply from Rexie LeStrange, the Solid Waste Supervisor for the City of Manteca.
We had a brief exchange of emails in which we discussed several of the issues I had raised, and as a result I have a much better understanding of the rationale behind the increase in rates. We also shared some ideas about recycling at multi-family complexes and the assisted-living facilities in the area.
My letter had been written prior to your editorial which further explained and quantified the cost to the City for our garbage service, and why rates needed to be raised. It certainly is reassuring that our City officials are willing to listen to and reach out to the members of the community to address our concerns, and that your editorials further enlighten us.

Bekke Hess
Manteca