There is an effort under way to re-establish alley garbage pickup service here in Anchorage. I hope this effort will also deal with the monopoly that the waste folks are imposing on us residents.

A monopoly is when the vendor has no competition and where competitive options are blocked. Currently, as a consumer, I have no choice of vendor; nor do I have the option to not use the single vendor. I must pay anyway.

This practice is illegal, not only in the business sense but also from an individual or consumer’s right to free choice. Maybe the New Year will bring a resolution to do what is right rather than supporting what is obviously wrong.

— Pat Wendt

Anchorage