Georgia Governor Nathan Deal has said that violent offenders will remain
behind bars, but the state needs to rethink the costs of locking up
others, like nonviolent drug offenders.
Former VLCIA Executive Director decides based on rants in the VDT
to come say “I trust in you” and
“If it turns out to be wrong, then we live with that.”
“I made a decision that although I’m concerned about a lot of things,
and I’m concerned about anything….
I have to trust those people who are in those positions
will do their homework and make the right decision.
Then I will live with that.
If it turns out to be wrong, then we live with that.
What bothered me was when I started reading in the paper
about the veiled threats.
The personal issues.
…
When I started reading about veiled threats.
When I started reading about people being chastised because
they didn’t accept a brochure or some literature.
You know, that bothered me.
Then when I read one of the rants about it;
they wondered how you folks were chosen.
If you don’t know how these people are chosen….
They ought to do their basic homework.
But I’m here tonight to say that:
I’ve looked at it; I’ve researched it; I don’t always agree
with all the things the authority does… but I trust in you….”
Update 2014-03-31:VDT wrote 3 March 2014 that Garren joined VLCIA after Sterling Chemical came in.
Then he praises Sterling Chemical which came in on his watch,
and while Norman Bennett (currently on the VLCIA)
was Chairman of the County Commission.
See for yourself:
In the current fashion he begins by saying when he first moved here
(1965).
Is that what’s required these days to be worth listening to?
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I was recently reading “Masterpieces of Eloquence,” which includes a
speech delivered by the fourth Earl of Chesterfield to the House of Lords in
Feb., 1743. “The bill now under our consideration appears to me to deserve a
much closer regard than seems to have been paid to it in the other House,
through which it was hurried with the utmost precipitation, and where it
passed almost without the formality of a debate. Nor can I think that
earnestness with which some lords seem inclined to press it forward here
consistent with the importance of the consequences which may with great
reason be expected from it.” He goes on to say, “surely it never before was
conceived, by any man entrusted with the administration of public affairs,
to raise taxes by the destruction of the people.”
I find this quote applies exactly, mutatis mutandis, to the present
situation. The effects of these toxic chemicals are far more devastating to
my mind than the effects of gin. The science panel assembled by Michael is
more credible than the assurances of the industrial authority expert. In
fact, the emissions from the plant are so close to the permit threshold that
they could easily exceed that threshhold on occasion. Would the IA expert
then continue to hold the position that there is “No health hazard to the
public?” I don’t think anyone who favors the proposal is aware of the
enormity that could result if the plant goes into operation. They have left
the public health out of their equation. They have just enough science, they
think, to push the deal through over the objections of an easily deceived
public.
The
recent biomass meeting
was a great example of democracy in
action. Concerned citizens gave up an evening to educate themselves
and it was heartening to see many in the audience participate. I’m
no political scientist, but this must be what the founders of the
constitution had in mind in conceiving that document.
The evening was not without controversy. Several speakers spoke
passionately, even vehemently, prompting someone to question the tone
of some on the anti-biomass side. One wonders how closely he follows
events in the area?
Valdostans are frustrated at the blatantly anti-democratic tactics
employed by local government that result in our getting things rammed
down our throats. Biomass is just the latest example.
He goes on to say it wouldn’t matter if the city refused to
supply water to the biomass plant.
Yet another variant on the popular local favorite:
“there’s nothing you can do.”
Technically, no doubt he’s right: they could just sink a well instead.
Politically, it would make a world of difference if the plant’s
host city said it wouldn’t supply water.
Not to mention I suspect the county would have to approve
such a well.
From: “Matt Flumerfelt”
Date: Sun, 16 Jan 2011 21:58:56 -0500
My Dear Mayor, City Manager, and City Council Members,
You who I know to be men and women of principle, you should know
by now I have no axe to grind, no agenda except to see justice done, no
desire but to benefit the people of this fair community. I ask you to please
put the brakes on the Industrial Authority and convince them that the
Wiregrass Power Biomass Electric Generating Plant may be complying with the
current laws and clean air requirements of Georgia, but it is still not
safe. Opening this plant is not in the best interest of our community.
We are at an important crossroads in our nation’s history,
I keep forgetting that Scott Adams apparently
also reports on the Valdosta-Lowndes County Industrial Authority and general Lowndes County politics. Here’s
the rest of that Dilbert strip.
This week as the rhetoric around the proposed biomass facility has
continued heating up, leading up to
last night’s forum,
one of the main themes has been that “government should do something.”
While the Times does not condone or condemn
Chairman Paulk’s actions in the commission meeting Tuesday night,
understanding the situation may
help shed light on the issue. The county is powerless to do anything to
stop this power plant. The only governmental entity with any power over
the project is the city, and that’s only in the form of the services
being extended and the water being sold to the company, as well as the
sewage sludge that’s being burned. They too are powerless at this
point to stop it.
The editorial continues with the tired old excuse “they can be sued”.
Don’t they have insurance for that?
If the whole thing goes as bad as some opponents predict,
they could be sued for the kind of financial disaster
that faces Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.
There is one governmental entity that does have the power.
Ah, here it is:
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Collective Progression’s mission is to engage individuals and grassroots
organizations in order to document social and environmental justice
struggles and solutions. We will be providing live and online trainings,
resources, and networking opportunities that empower people to effect
positive change in their communities.
Hm, well, except for the specific focus, that’s pretty much what LAKE does.
More:
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Lowndes County Commission Chairman Ashley Paulk called a halt Tuesday
evening to commissioners hearing biomass comments during public portions
of regular board meetings.
The number of people locked up
has grown way faster than violent crime since 1980.
The U.S.,
with 5% of the world’s populatioon now has 25% of
the world’s prison population:
more than any other country total and per capita:
more than China, more than Russia, more than Cuba.
As Sen. James Webb remarked in 2009:
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