Moving stockpilesLocal politicians are jumping through hoops, screaming and shouting about a Pentagon memo suggesting a study of the possibility of moving some chemical stockpiles to the incinerator at Anniston Army Depot. It is smart to study any and every way to save taxpayer money. Whether the Army will approach the president or Congress with a plan to actually relocate these chemicals is to be determined.However, if local politicians and citizens are going to stand before the Army with hats in their hand, pleading for the salvation of the Depot, they should not be screaming “broken promise” about the incinerator. First, the incinerator has proven a safe, efficient operation. Secondly, on any given day, other dangerous chemicals are moved throughout the country without the security measures that the Army will use to relocate these agents. Thirdly, a leaked memo could be a “test” to check the reaction of local politicians and citizens. The Army will find every mayor, governor, congressman, and senator from every state between Anniston and the current storage location shouting “not through my back yard,” making it a battle we can let other states fight without looking like hypocrites over saving the Depot. It is time to decide if the Depot is really worth saving and, of course, it is worth this sacrifice and then some. Our local politicians need to rethink their rhetoric. This is a lose-lose battle. Ollie Noles No surprise!As one who has witnessed our local and state government actions and inactions from the inside, it does not surprise me that the Department of Defense and its hip pocket contractors view Calhoun County as weak and vulnerable to forced acceptance of more chemical weapons storage and dangerous destruction.As our sons and daughters have to leave this community to find jobs and a progressive quality of life, the status quo of our depressed county continues. Who is looking out for your interest? Is it the dysfunctional Joint Powers Authority that has made no progress in the Fort McClellan reuse? Is it the lawyers who reaped the rewards of the PCB settlements? Is it the county commission that sold us out to the Department of Defense? Is it the governor who filled his cabinet and state departments with friends and Washington cronies? It’s time for a change and quickly. We must remove these tumors from our midst before we will heal. Now is the time for those who want change to step up and be heard. Let’s take back our community from those that make deals for themselves and not the common good. Let us plan to “clean house” and move our community forward. Michael A. Burney |
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