Letters to the editor: 04/19/01

Concerned about proposed asphalt plant

To the Editor:

As the newspaper reported, we already have the race track and the tourist helicopter noise, along with added traffic from the casino, and some of the worst regional air pollution in the country. I was especially concerned that the paper reported Mr. Fortner as claiming that an asphalt plant only puts out steam, dust and noise.

It doesn't require much research to discover that asphalt plants put off a wide range of pollutants. The best source for such information I found was the Hot Mix Asphalt Plant-Emission Assessment Report done by the EPA right here in North Carolina and published last year. It is available online at http://www.epa.gov/ttn/emc/asphalt.html.

The EPA report does an excellent job of explaining how asphalt is made, the different types of plants, the different fuels used to power the plants, and the types of pollution given off by each step of the process. Asphalt plants give off particulate matter pollution, volatile organic compounds, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and a host of other pollutants. Ground and water pollution from runoff can also be a problem.

I have to say that if I lived next door to the proposed site I would be very concerned. However, from what I understand so far, there are few close neighbors and those that have been contacted have shown little concern. I have expressed my concern to Mr. Fortner that as a person with some asthma problems who is already living in an area with terrible air pollution problems, I was concerned about anything that added even more pollution.

He pointed out to me that his intent was to build a small plant to provide asphalt for his company, which currently had to buy asphalt from APAC, Harrison Construction, which owns the plants in Dillsboro, Waynesville and Hayesville. He said that if there is a big highway construction project going on in the area his drivers often sit in lines for hours, or they have to drive to other counties to get asphalt.

Mr. Fortner also pointed out that whether or not he builds a plant he still has to buy asphalt, and the same pollution is created. He suggested his plant would be a new, state-of-the-art plant, and would probably put out less pollution than the old plant he now buys asphalt from in Dillsboro to make the same amount of asphalt. I had to admit that there could be some savings in pollution by not driving trucks as far to fill with asphalt.

I still don't like the idea of an asphalt plant, at all. I also can't understand how a country with 5 percent of the world's population can produce 25 percent of the world's pollution and still refuse to support international agreements to reduce greenhouse gases. Or how our local senator can recently find it so difficult to support clean smokestack legislation in North Carolina, when we suffer some of the worst pollution in the country.

Once again, I am frustrated when I try to identify the enemy that needs to be fought in an effort to preserve clean air and quality of life. I wish I could simply blame President Bush, Senator Robinson or Mark Fortner for our environmental problems. That would be easier than facing the truth. In a democracy change can usually occur when people care enough to simply demand that change from elected officials.

But this time I fear demanding change may not be enough. Are we willing to change our own lifestyles? Use less electricity, less asphalt, less gasoline, and invest in cleaner technology? Are we willing to take a serious look at the American lifestyle and allow our conscience to consider if it's really OK for 5 percent of the world's population to produce 25 percent of the world's pollution, and ignore international concerns about increasing health risks and global warming?

The demand for asphalt in western North Carolina is clearly there. I don't want it, but I have to be willing to consider that it could be true that Mark Fortner's proposed new asphalt plant will not increase overall pollution in Jackson County. I guess I'm left feeling the main thing that will decrease pollution from asphalt plants is less demand for asphalt, which isn't something Mr. Fortner can be held responsible for. I want to thank him, again, for answering my questions, and the neighborly way he has approached a potentially controversial subject.

Robert Franz

Whittier

Jones murder coverage was unfair

To the Editor:

Why then would you print the unattractive allegations Graybill made in a statement to police to save his own skin, against a man he murdered in cold blood who is not here now to defend himself? Repeating words like "abusive," "selling drugs" and "acting weird" is so unfair and unkind in memory of a young man robbed of his future by a stranger he obviously tried to help when help was asked. In return, he ended up "riddled with bullet wounds" from his own gun.

Who is to say that Steve Jones wasn't asked to help rob or harm a local business or merchant, and was killed for refusing to take part or threatening to expose the crime? That makes more sense to me, and makes Steve a hero, one who gave his life for the safety of his community. I didn't know Steve well. He was barely an acquaintance, a buddy of my husband's. I never saw him abusive towards anyone, and I never saw him take drugs. He was always friendly, never rude, more generous than he should have been, and willing to do just about anything to make people laugh when things became too boring.

It is very troubling that our local press would waste print giving credibility to Graybill and his self serving statement, and in doing so, turn their backs on one of our own and continue to smear Steve Jones's reputation beyond his untimely death.

My prayers and deepest sympathy goes out to his family.

Laurie Dorris

Sylva

Free throw fund-raiser was a success

To the Editor:

All funds raised will go to the new Jackson County Recreation Center for equipment in the building. Each child secured sponsors per made free throw, and then they shoot 100 free throws to determine sponsor totals. Free pizzas and soft drinks were given to the youth as they worked towards the 100 free throws.

A grand total of $7,715.40 was raised by the youth. The top three fund-raisers were: first, Stephanie Nichols, who will receive a $100 gift card from Wal-Mart; second, Eddie Noell, who will receive a $50 gift card from Wal-Mart; and third, Morgan Shutters, who will receive a $25 gift card from Wal-Mart.

Participants attempted a total of 2,500 free throws and made 1,338 attempts. The top free throw shooters in each age group were as follows: third and fourth grade, Chad Harper, 82 of 100; fifth and sixth grade, Stephanie Nichols, 72 of 100; seventh and eighth grade, Eddie Noell, 78 of 100; and ninth grade and above, Josh Harper, 91 of 100. These students earned prizes for youth at their local school.

The Jackson County Recreation and Parks Department and the Friends of Recreation Committee are beginning the process of raising funds for equipment for the new Recreation Center. A target of $80,000 has been set for this project.

Due to the tremendous efforts of these youth, the fund-raising project is well under way. Volunteers are needed for this fund-raising campaign.

If you are interested, please call the Jackson County Recreation and Parks Department at 586-6333 or 586-PLAY.

Jeff Carpenter

Director

Jackson County

Recreation and Parks

Department

Volunteers can change the world

To the Editor:

During National Volunteer Week, and also throughout the year, the Jackson County Department On Aging expresses its profound gratitude to you for making a tremendous difference every day for many of Jackson County's older adults. Your volunteer time and energy throughout the year helps our agency and especially those you serve in the Home-Delivered or Congregate Meals programs.

This year volunteers have delivered more than 10,000 meals to the homebound seniors, served close to 6,000 lunches, and contributed over 3,000 hours of their precious time. The Department On Aging commends and honors you for your volunteer time to make this happen.

Recently, a weekend home delivered meal volunteer said "its never convenient" when asked about best times to deliver the lunch meal. This remark underscores the important commitment of volunteers who take time out during the busy noon hours and cheerfully serves others in need. The care, compassion and special dedication you have given to others this year is deeply appreciated by the Jackson County Department On Aging.

Margaret Mead said: "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed people can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has."

I extend my personal gratitude and thanks to you for your continuing volunteer efforts that touch the lives and uplifts the spirits of our elders in Jackson County.

Sincerely,

Geraldine V. Collins

Nutrition Sites Supervisor

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