A citizen responds:

TO: Valdosta-Lowndes County Industrial Authority, Local and State SCLC,
NAACP, ICU, Churches, Editors, and beyond http://kvci.blogspot.com

On September 27, 2010 while attending the Valdosta City School Board Meeting
held at J.L. Newbern Middle School at 7:00. When Valdosta-Lowndes County
Industrial Authority Executive Director Brad Lofton, and Mr. Allen
Ricketts, did their presentation before the school board concerning the
Biomass Plant projected to come into our community.

What concerns me was Mr. Ricketts using my name during his presentation that
could have given the impression that I (George Boston Rhynes) was in support
of the Biomass plant coming into the minority community that already have
too many existing pollutants. School Board Chairman Love closed the meeting
before I could respond to Mr. Ricketts before the meeting was adjourned.

Mr. Ricketts comments during his presentation: “…the practical matter is
once you put the electricity on the grid we don’t know where it will flow
but most likely it will stay in Georgia because it will be purchased by a
Georgia utility. Ah, of that 40 mega watts about two will be used to run
the plant because the plant will be self sustainable. Ah, it will be able
to produce enough electricity to carry forth its own operation.”
&ldquoGeorge, you and I talked about that. Ah a couple of months ago when you was in my
office. We had a good conversation about that. Now let us talk about what
that means….”

MY RESPONSE! I would like to say to the board. That I know you have
adjourned the meeting. But because my name was used I need to respond
because I value my credibility and my name means everything go me. So I
want each board member to know that George Boston Rhynes does not sign
off on any part of the Biomass Plant. This I want to make perfectly clear
so there is no confusion; about where I stand concerning the Biomass Plant
coming into the minority community. Because I do NOT approve of it!

I live closer to Cherry Creek, than I do Mud Creek. And I would rather see

the plant closer to Cherry Creek where I live rather than building it on the
Southside of town where we already have several toxic plants and industries.
I thank very much!

IN ADDITION: As a long time member of the Valdosta-Lowndes County Branch
of the NAACP, I was extremely disappointed, and offended by the
unprofessional manner by which our local NAACP President Mrs. Leigh Touchton
was addressed by the Valdosta-Lowndes County Industrial Authority at the
City School Board. She is a National Hero in the Historical Archives of the
National Office. She is a professional educator, wife, mother and proven
leader with credibility as well as a professional in all undertakings.

So as a retired military veteran and concerned citizen involved in civil and
human rights since 1975, I want it known. That our local NAACP President
cannot be condemned without first condemning the entire NAACP Membership,
community leaders and the people she represents. In addition there is no
chairman, president, or pastor that has taken on the challenges that are
presently plaguing our city and community as Mrs. Leigh Touchton! She is
without question a born leader and the citizens of our community stands 100%
in support of her actions.

Therefore the Valdosta-Lowndes County Industrial Authority should apologize
to Mrs. Leigh Touchton for the inappropriate remarks made about her during
the Valdosta City School Board Meeting wherein she as NEVER given the
opportunity to respond!

I cannot speak for the NAACP or its many members that were in
attendance. However
I was very much offended by the comments made against her without Chairman
Love or any of the Valdosta City School Board Members feeling a sense to
give her such an opportunity &emdash; is unreal! She should have been given an
opportunity to respond even if she did not wish to use it.

Yes! I am once again disappointed in the entire Valdosta City School
Board of Education; as I was in their denial of our children being able to
listen to President Barack Obama’s Speech on live Television. The School
Board should have given the NAACP President a chance to respond simply
because it was the correct thing to do along he lines of fairness. How sad?
I believe NO citizen should be granted more rights or privileges than
another especially at public meetings in 2010! God bless!

GEORGE BOSTON RHYNES

Retired United States Armed Forces Military Veteran

A concerned citizen and brother of humanity

PS: Lets wait and see how much of this public meeting held in the State of
Georgia will be presented to the general public by local television,
newspapers, and radio stations in our area. However you can always check
http://kvci.blogspot.com
(We believe in Citizens Right to Know)