goals and objectives

[Connie Nahhas <sosehas@aol.com>]

Hello to all.  I am a 42 yo concerned citizen, mother of two school age children, registered nurse for 20 years.  I guess I am a good example of some of that public you are trying to reach, because I just learned of this discussion by chance when I was searching the Internet for information about pesticide usage in schools.  As a healthcare provider and parent, I am very interested in environmental issues and am very glad to be given the opportunity to participate in this discussion.

I have not had any direct experience with the EPA in the past, but I hope my comments will be helpful.  Just think of me as your average citizen!  

The first comment I would like to make is that I am glad to see that the EPA is seeking more public involvement and input.  I do believe that there is a definite need for improved communication between the public and the EPA.  I know that there are many citizens in my area of the country (Mid-South) that do not routinely use the Internet and are quite ignorant, through no fault of their own, of many important environmental issues that affect us all.  For example, there are two Superfund toxic waste sites identified in my community - a fact I did not become aware of myself until recently.  When I have shared that information with friends in the community, all were unaware of these sites and expressed concern about this issue.  I can't help but think that there are citizens out there willing to become more actively involved with the EPA and the environment, if they can only find a way to better access pertinent information. 

I guess I really should comment on the listed goals and objectives, as that is the topic of the day! As far as the written goals go, they are broad-based and generally address the goal of improved public involvement well.  However, the actual methods utilized to reach that goal will pose the real challenge.

Looking forward to future topics, Connie