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Show PANGUITCH • PANGUITCH LAKE • HATCH • BRYCE • TROPIC • ANTIMONY • HENRIEVILLE • CANNONVILLE • ESCALANTE • BOULDER Thursday, December 17, 2009 • Issue # 247 DON'T SUGAR COAT IT, IN SEARCH OF GARFIELD COUNTY TELL US WHAT YOU REALLY THINK?! SCHOOL DISTRICT SUPERINTENDENT I could not have done more to discredit the opinions of the author of the article "Making Lemonade from... Coal?", dated December 10, 2009, issue number 246 of the "Garfield County Insider" than the author himself accomplished. As a former Federal Agent and employee of 30 plus years, it was imperative through the oath I took and the job description I filled that I served as impartially and objectively all of the people I came in contact with through that employment. Therefore, I was not ever authorized to make personal and subjective opinions under color of my authority. Since the author used his title of Garfield County Planner/Economic Development Director, then his opinions must be representative of the County Government. Does he speak for the County Government and get County endorsement for this article? If so, he is not representing all of the citizens of Garfield County. I have spoken on the phone and in person with citizens of this county that are opposed to the Coal Hollow Mine. The inference made by the Director that opposition to such a mine stems from a person's economic privilege is both an insult to those citizens and the Director himself. Such a reference loses further credibility when it comes from a person who has such a position and could be considered wellplaced economically. That is the "slippery slope" that a government official must tread if they lose their im- partiality. As Economic Development Director, any economic failings in the county must be, at least in part, the responsibility of that position. I would like to address a few of the points brought out in the prior article: Coal mining negatively impacts the environment. That is a scientifically evidenced fact. Not just power plants, COAL MINES!! The negative effects of coal mining (through blasting, extraction, and processing) show up in the air, the water, & the soil through the release of particulate matter and toxic substances. I refer to the specific negative impact that airborne particulate matter poses for the public at large, as determined by studies such as those by the renowned Epidemiologist, C. Arden Pope III of BYU. For computer users, you can Google him and review his video. Waste products include radium, thorium, and other radioactive and heavy metal contaminates. Acid mine drainage negatively impacts the soil and water even remotely from the mine site. Also refer to Wikipedia.com for additional information. My concerns regarding the 300 plus trucks came directly from the concerns of the EPA, region 8, in their scoping comments regarding the application by Alton Coal Development. They were concerned about the impact on local communities, their tourism, and recreation economy. To quote the EPA, "the Surface Mining Law prohibits mining in areas which will adversely affect sites listed on the National Register of WEATHER THURSDAY HIGH: 28 LOW: 6 MOSTLY CLOUDY FRIDAY HIGH: 31 LOW: 11 FEW SNOW SHOWERS SATURDAY 0a a HIGH: 36 LOW: 18 FEW SNOW SHOWERS SUNDAY ,_ HIGH: 39 LOW: 14 RAIN/ SNOW SHOWERS MONDAY HIGH: 40 LOW: 13 q o FEW SNOW SHOWERS -4:44 TUESDAY HIGH: 39 LOW: 13 1' I FEW SNOW SHOWERS WEDNESDAY HIGH: 39 LOW: 14 CLOUDY Member o //IP' Utah Press' ***** * !Pk ac_ INDEPENDENT FREE PAPERS OF AMERICA — ■•■••/• IU "l• IM! "AMA Historic Places". The EPA recommended that the environmental impact study explore alternatives for transporting the coal from the mine including rail. Apparently the Director of Economic Development dismisses the potential impact in contradiction to that of the EPA. This should include more than a discussion of a trucking belt route. The State Historic Preservation office indicated that they had concerns about the impact created by "so many new trucks". They asked about vibration from the trucks and what studies had been completed by UDOT or FHWA. They further concluded regarding Panguitch "clearly the historic character of their downtown has been an important asset to the community". The economy of Garfield County, as stated by the Director is based on tourism. To imply that the median income is connected, is insulting and too simplistic. My research has indicated that there is nothing contractual or documented that gives any coal mining jobs to Garfield County. The higher paying jobs alluded to will be union jobs advertised across the country and filled by the most qualified applicants. The trucking company that will transport the coal is based in Cedar City and those jobs will not be guaranteed to anyone in Garfield County either. None of the points brought out by the Economic Director have any serious merit when viewed under the microscope. To my knowledge, County officials have not sought to inform the general public in Garfield County regarding all of the issues pertinent to the Coal Hollow Mine. In part, that is due to the fact that OGM rules only require public notices in the County where the project resides. Their endorsement letters (and that of Panguitch City management) sent in 2008 and 2009 are a matter of public record on the OGM website but one must search to find them. Any person who represents the voices of others has a responsibility to hear all voices and disclose all pertinent information about an issue. If the Director knows something that I don't, then he needs to disclose it to everyone. That is true impartiality. My comments are not to be construed as a continuation of any personal battle with any one individual. Bruce McMahan As Garfield County School District looks to hire a District Superintendent in the near future, I would like to encourage local community members of Garfield County to voice their opinion to their local school board member. As most of you know, Garfield School Districts financial budget is not in very good shape at the present time. Many hard decisions have been made and will continue to be made in order to balance the financial budget. I have worked closely with Janice Hatch for the past 23 years and know her Character, Concern and most importantly her honesty. Janice has a great knowledge of Garfield School Districts students, staff and programs. I strongly believe that looking elsewhere for a Superintendent is another mistake that should not happen. The track record of bringing in Superintendents with no knowledge of Garfield County's rural needs speaks for itself. Janice is genuinely concerned about all of the programs and understands each ones importance. Janice knows all of the staff members personally and listens to their concerns. Janice is a great supporter of the students and wants them to succeed. Janice is a lifetime resident of Garfield County and I am certain will do her very best to make fair and honest decisions for the betterment of Garfield County School District. I have a daughter who is a member of the state championship volleyball team and I recently saw a letter written to her from Janice Hatch, congratulating her in her accomplishments. Do you think this would happen with a superintendent who does not know or care about our youth and the programs they are involved in? I also, recently saw Janice at a local High School Basketball game visiting with our youth and community members. Could you see the same happening from someone who has no interest in our local activities? During the past few months, Janice has been appointed as the Acting Superintendent and I have been very impressed with her preparedness, actions, decisions and professionalism. While serving in this position, Janice has made some tough but necessary decisions. She has kept the public informed of the financial condition of the district and been honest in her recommendations. Positions that were hired against her recommendation now have to be cut. This tells me that Janice is very capable of running this school district and understands the financial situation the school district is currently in. You and I know Janice Hatch. We can see and talk to her almost everyday at the local grocery store or business. We can find her at the post office or local athletic event. She can be seen at local community events and gatherings. Do you really think Janice will do anything less than what is best for the place she lives and loves? Can we really afford to take another chance during such a difficult time? Please let your local school board member know how you feel on this very important matter. Curtis Barney New Year's Eve Party 2010! Come join us At The New Ebenezer's Barn & Grill As We Celebrate The Coming of The New Year , THURSDAY, DECEMBER 31 Featuring: rEszirizzErts BAR\ LIVE DI "ADAM RUE" 9pm to 12:30am (Free A.drnissionfFamily Atmosphere) New Year's Special Stay At The Best Western. Ralpf.s In Or The New Best Western- Bryce Canyon Grand Hotel For 2 Plights Al disccu.nted Rates And Receive The 3rd Night Free. Roby 's Ion S45*Tas Per Night •61r41. b ryte Fro ..ta•rnirdry.1 Frame Code: sieseyddrs 13171:16 C11611111 GTIITI1 Hole' Di 5 4-T11 PUT Niiii 41(1.Wdbrycill1611 ,Ginebcj PreE11 0 0041! Piti WirIldift 1-666-866-661.6 or 1-435-834-5341 www.ru bvsien -cam 1141 ' 63 • It V CL CA PC3(0251 CITY, Ti TA II MA T4-4 CLOSEST .ACCOMMODATION 70 TH E ENTRAINCE TO. 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