Jim Conchie of South Seattle said his garbage hadn't been picked up since two weeks before Christmas.

He said Mayor Greg Nickels should stop pushing ambitious global climate initiatives and concentrate on core city services, such as garbage pickup and snow removal.

"It's time for the mayor to give up all his high-flying fantasies and get back to providing basic services," said Conchie, who lives east of Columbia City.

What a novel thought! A city that focuses on city services!