A citizen responds:<\/p>\n
\nTO: Valdosta-Lowndes County Industrial Authority, Local and State SCLC,
\nNAACP, ICU, Churches, Editors, and beyond http:\/\/kvci.blogspot.com<\/p>\n\nOn September 27, 2010 while attending the Valdosta City School Board Meeting
\nheld at J.L. Newbern Middle School at 7:00. When Valdosta-Lowndes County
\nIndustrial Authority Executive Director Brad Lofton, and Mr. Allen
\nRicketts, did their presentation before the school board concerning the
\nBiomass Plant projected to come into our community.<\/p>\n\nWhat concerns me was Mr. Ricketts using my name during his presentation that
\ncould have given the impression that I (George Boston Rhynes) was in support
\nof the Biomass plant coming into the minority community that already have
\ntoo many existing pollutants. School Board Chairman Love closed the meeting
\nbefore I could respond to Mr. Ricketts before the meeting was adjourned.<\/p>\n\nMr. Ricketts comments during his presentation:<\/b> “…the practical matter is
\nonce you put the electricity on the grid we don’t know where it will flow
\nbut most likely it will stay in Georgia because it will be purchased by a
\nGeorgia utility. Ah, of that 40 mega watts about two will be used to run
\nthe plant because the plant will be self sustainable. Ah, it will be able
\nto produce enough electricity to carry forth its own operation.”
\n&ldquoGeorge, you and I talked about that. Ah a couple of months ago when you was in my
\noffice. We had a good conversation about that. Now let us talk about what
\nthat means….”<\/p>\n\nMY RESPONSE!<\/b> I would like to say to the board. That I know you have
\nadjourned the meeting. But because my name was used I need to respond
\nbecause I value my credibility and my name means everything go me. So I
\nwant each board member to know that George Boston Rhynes does not sign
\noff on any part of the Biomass Plant. This I want to make perfectly clear
\nso there is no confusion; about where I stand concerning the Biomass Plant
\ncoming into the minority community. Because I do NOT approve of it!<\/p>\n\nI live closer to Cherry Creek, than I do Mud Creek. And I would rather see\n<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
<\/p>\n
\nthe plant closer to Cherry Creek where I live rather than building it on the
\nSouthside of town where we already have several toxic plants and industries.
\nI thank very much!<\/p>\n\nIN ADDITION:<\/b> As a long time member of the Valdosta-Lowndes County Branch
\nof the NAACP, I was extremely disappointed, and offended by the
\nunprofessional manner by which our local NAACP President Mrs. Leigh Touchton
\nwas addressed by the Valdosta-Lowndes County Industrial Authority at the
\nCity School Board. She is a National Hero in the Historical Archives of the
\nNational Office. She is a professional educator, wife, mother and proven
\nleader with credibility as well as a professional in all undertakings.<\/p>\n\nSo as a retired military veteran and concerned citizen involved in civil and
\nhuman rights since 1975, I want it known. That our local NAACP President
\ncannot be condemned without first condemning the entire NAACP Membership,
\ncommunity leaders and the people she represents. In addition there is no
\nchairman, president, or pastor that has taken on the challenges that are
\npresently plaguing our city and community as Mrs. Leigh Touchton! She is
\nwithout question a born leader and the citizens of our community stands 100%
\nin support of her actions.<\/p>\n\nTherefore the Valdosta-Lowndes County Industrial Authority should apologize
\nto Mrs. Leigh Touchton for the inappropriate remarks made about her during
\nthe Valdosta City School Board Meeting wherein she as NEVER given the
\nopportunity to respond!<\/p>\n\nI cannot speak for the NAACP or its many members that were in
\nattendance. However
\nI was very much offended by the comments made against her without Chairman
\nLove or any of the Valdosta City School Board Members feeling a sense to
\ngive her such an opportunity &emdash; is unreal! She should have been given an
\nopportunity to respond even if she did not wish to use it.<\/p>\n\nYes!<\/b> I am once again disappointed in the entire Valdosta City School
\nBoard of Education; as I was in their denial of our children being able to
\nlisten to President Barack Obama’s Speech on live Television. The School
\nBoard should have given the NAACP President a chance to respond simply
\nbecause it was the correct thing to do along he lines of fairness. How sad?
\nI believe NO citizen should be granted more rights or privileges than
\nanother especially at public meetings in 2010! God bless!<\/p>\n\nGEORGE BOSTON RHYNES<\/p>\n
\nRetired United States Armed Forces Military Veteran<\/p>\n
\nA concerned citizen and brother of humanity<\/p>\n