One of my supporters just asked me “What are you doing about solid waste?”

He doesn’t like the possible ending of self-haul on San Juan Island. I told him I have been the lone voice on the County Council lobbying for the county to remain in the self-haul business.

Yes, since construction waste declined the solid waste fund has been running in the red, and yes, it’s got a big debt.

But the numbers for 2011 were in the black. Solid waste made money.

Besides the coming enhanced curbside with recycling, the plan currently being implemented is for the solid waste facilities to be offered up to private enterprise. Applicants can offer to provide whatever service they deem viable.

The Orcas Island (request for proposals) is already out. The San Juan facility on property owned by the town has many complications. So the undeveloped, adjacent county property (the Sundstrom property) will be put out to RFP soon.

Lopez is going it’s own way, to stay public and keep self-haul.

Thing is, we’re missing a great opportunity. Just when we have a new Public Works director, a new town administrator and now a new county administrator, we should give them the chance to make solid waste work on San Juan Island.

Howie Rosenfeld/Friday Harbor

— Editor’s note: Howie Rosenfeld represents Friday Harbor, District 3, on the County Council