RE: Ways EPA can partner with local government?
- Archived: Wed, 18 Jul 2001 17:35:00 -0400 (EDT)
- Date: Wed, 18 Jul 2001 17:28:00 -0400 (EDT)
- From: bob eisengrein <beisengrein@fiam.net>
- Subject: RE: Ways EPA can partner with local government?
- X-topic: Local Issues/Superfund
In many cases the local government is not interested, or does not have the funds or personnel to become involved. Also, they may not want to recognize a local problem based on pride or how it may affect local real estate values. We have had a Superfund site in Acton MA now for over 20 years. Our Selectman have become involved because our citizen group pushed them to find the cause of our problem before there was a Consent Decree. We wrote letters to to the editor, and even promoted political candidates supporting our concern to run for run for Selectman seats.
In contrast, in our neighboring town of Concord, the Selectman for years did not admit there was a potential problem. Only through the persistant efforts of a Concord citizen group, coached by our experience, did the Selectman finally admit a problem and supported the citizens. They now have a Superfund site & the citizens a TAG from EPA.
An apt quote for this situation might be: "Power without morality is tyranny, but morality without power is futility"!
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