2 candidates will listen to and consider environmental concerns

During my 50 or so years of experience with environmental issues, I have often witnessed how the public perception of such issues varied. Lately, environmental protection has once again been reduced as an issue of concern, at least for some of our politicians.

It is my opinion that in the last couple of years, elected officials in Georgia, as well as Fayette County, have lost some of their willingness to protect our natural resources.

Of course this does not apply to all of our elected officials, but enough of them to influence the changes of which I speak. After the last election we lost some effective leadership and that loss is proving to be harmful to our environment.

Currently there are two voices that, when elected, I believe will restore some of the common-sense approach to environmental protection.

At the state level, I believe that we need to do everything we can to help Connie Biemiller win the seat for House District 66.

When, a little over a year ago, toxic releases from the PSC issue hit the north end of Fayette County and much of South Fulton County, she became the voice for hundreds of affected citizens. They were ignored by most state-level politicians who should have taken the lead to investigate this incident.

Rather than demanding to know why the state Environmental Protection Division (EPD) failed to do their job, state senators and representatives supported the (inadequate) testing EPD did in response to the incident. With very little help from elected leaders, Connie set about organizing the citizens and through her leadership the offending company was essentially shut down!

Ms. Biemiller speaks with a passion for protection of all citizens and for the environment. She has worked hard to understand issues as they have come to her attention and, as a private citizen has accomplished more than many in the Georgia House of Representatives. Electing her to represent District 66 will provide her with a stronger voice and all of us, even outside of District 66, will benefit.

The second voice is that of Greg Dunn. Greg has that uncommon ability to make command decisions and to speak his mind. However, it is that set of qualifications that offend some folks, especially those that are looking for a decision-maker that is easy to influence. When a voice like Greg’s comes along, and the message is not always welcomed by a few individuals, sparks fly.

Ten years ago, when Greg when was a candidate for county commissioner I met with him to discuss environmental issues in Fayette County. Part way through my presentation, Mr. Dunn stopped me and asked, “Why should I believe anything you are telling me?” My answer was that my concerns were only for the environment and that was enough to satisfy his question.

He listened then, and throughout his eight years as county commissioner, and will listen again when he is elected.

Mr. Dunn is a very capable leader and we have missed his leadership over the last two years. I know that when I approach him with an environmental issue, he will take it seriously and find a way to help. It is my belief that he takes that approach to all problems he deals with and we now have a chance to return that strong voice to our service.

Connie speaks with a deep-felt passion for issues that impact citizens; Greg speaks with a commanding voice of an experienced leader. Both offer essentially the same thing, and that is leadership on issues, especially environmental issues, that is currently lacking.

Not all who run for office offer this level of value to the environment and, therefore, to the citizens they will represent.

[Dennis Chase, now retired, was a fish and wildlife biologist with the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service for more than 26 years. Since retiring, he has worked as a consultant for Fayette County on environmental concerns, is a volunteer with the Line Creek Association of Fayette County, and has published numerous newspaper columns.]