It's Time to Discuss Organized Crime and Public Vs. Private Ownership of Trash Empires

The New Milford Town Council had a discussion about the region's efforts to put James Galante's trash transfer station under public control.

It was an amazing discussion -- one disconnected from the reality facing this region.

Galante is in federal prison, having pled guilty to conspiracy, racketeering and tax charges. But the mess he left behind is still being sorted out.

Fortunately, most of the region's elected officials are working hard and working together to protect local residents and businesses from a repeat of Galante's abuses.

Galante ran a scheme to limit competition that was enforced by the muscle of organized crime. Competitors and customers were threatened. It took an aggressive investigation by the FBI to shut Galante down. But to listen to New Milford Town Council member Joseph Failla, there's too much mention of Galante's connection to organized crime.

Failla was offended by the mention of it in a resolution offered by the Housatonic Resources Recovery Authority in support of Danbury's attempt to obtain ownership of Galante's transfer station on White Street in Danbury.

"It was more a grandstanding," Failla told the council. "I don't think an organization such as HRRA is in the position to comment and label in this resolution," he said, finding support from other council members.

Failla and other council members also criticized public ownership of the transfer station. "Public government doesn't belong in private business," Failla said.

These people should meet Matthew Ianniello, known as "Matty the Horse." He's the Genovese crime family boss who federal prosecutors say received regular payments from Galante in return for organized crime muscle. Like Galante, Ianniello copped a plea. They also could inform themselves by reading the court documents that quote court-ordered wiretaps on Galante and his cohorts. The wiretaps tell the story of the abuse perpetrated against this region.

Public ownership of the transfer station is necessary. The region's trash is trucked to the transfer station and then shipped out. It is the key ingredient in the region's trash disposal network. All haulers and all customers should receive equal treatment at the transfer station, which was not the case under Galante.

If another monopoly obtains control of Galante's trash empire, it will invite a repeat of Galante's abuses -- including the involvement of organized crime.

Organized crime is real. No purpose is served by pretending it's too dirty to mention, in public or in public documents.

Just ask Matty the Horse.

Newstimes Editorial