San Angelo Live

Now that Republic Services has an exclusive contract with the City of San Angelo, Republic is sending its lawyer, Charles "Chip" Babcock, after its competitor in the temporary roll-off trash business. Babcock is a Jackson-Walker LLP lawyer who famously and successfully defended Oprah Winfrey who was sued by Amarillo cattlemen for broadcasting a news story about Mad Cow Disease.

pTexas Disposal Systems initiated collection of debris and trash at construction sites shortly after the City announced Republic was the winner of the trash collection request for proposals April 1.

The collection of waste from construction sites, or temporary trash, enjoys a loophole in Texas state law. TDS spokesman Ryan Beard argued back in April that State Law supersedes City ordinances that establish exclusivity in construction site trash collection, as expressed in the State Health and Safety Code, Section 364. TDS has generated a brisk business with local contractors since. (San Angelo Live)