Annette Smith not a lone voice
Toolbox
Published: December 6, 2008
I would like to respond to the outrageous comments of the writer about Annette Smith and Vermonters for a Clean Environment (VCE) in the editorial "Spur deserves support." Aside from the fact that VCE has done incredible work protecting citizens from negative impacts due to the greed of Omya, VCE works on many issues besides, including large farms, pesticides, landfills, mercury, groundwater protection, municipal drinking water, quarries, gravel pits, energy projects, housing developments, cell towers, air pollution from outdoor wood boilers, and more.
The work they have done to protect Vermont's environment and citizens is huge and successful.
VCE has been incredibly helpful to make our citizens' voices be heard in the Legislature concerning an unstudied municipal water disinfectant additive that was put into the water of South Burlington, where I live. It is appearing to be making quite a few people quite sick. Getting the attention of the Legislature on this incredibly important health issue would have been impossible without the help of Annette Smith and her VCE staff. Because of them legislators are listening very carefully to what we are telling them.
I highly suspect the accuracy of the statement that Annette Smith is the "lone dissenting voice" on the spur issue. She may be the only one that is (rightfully) bringing attention to it, but her voice represents the concerns of many in the area.
VCE is to be commended, not attacked.
ELLEN POWELL
South Burlington
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