From the Mayor’s Chair

November 25, 2009

Happy Thanksgiving and CF Day

It has become almost trite for newspaper columnists to begin by listing all of the things for which we have to be thankful. And that’s a shame. We have so few national holidays set aside to just Give Thanks. There are 364 days set aside to argue and gripe but only one for gratitude.

The editorial in a local paper caught my attention. The heading, “We all could benefit from day of no complaints” led me to wonder why it didn’t read instead “We could all benefit from a day of only counting our blessings”? What would happen to our collective national health if we worried less and counted more?

Congress got involved in the Complaint Free Benefit Day idea. Unfortunately it only drew two sponsors and a lot of complaints. The chief sponsor, U. S. Rep Emanuel Cleaver from Missouri said the lesson he learned was: “Next time you ask people to count their blessings…duck.” The city of Galesburg is observing a “No Complaint Day”. I talked to Mayor Sal Garza. He sees looking on the positive side and counting the blessings as having the ability to provide an economic development upturn and reverse the downturn of the recent past…such an optimist. Along with the economic benefit might come the social benefits. People might actually come to feel better about themselves, others and the place they live. Of course, some people just like to complain. When I talked to the mayor he said the biggest complaint he had gotten was from the “you’re trying to take away my ‘freedom of speech’ crowd.” That’s an observation…not a complaint.

So, what if this thing actually caught on and worked. What if the Wednesday before Thanksgiving becomes CFB Day? I know it sounds anti-American but…what if it works? Oh well, I’m not sure who to complain to about not having a “Day Without Complaints” or who would listen anyway.

Have your leaves out to the curb by November 30 if you want the city crews to vacuum them up. The city trucks need to be prepared for the winter season so that will be the last week of curbside pick up. Of course, you can bag yard waste and then call city hall or the street department (935-9438 or 935-5478) for it to be picked up or take it out to the yard waste facility yourself. Currently yard waste facility hours are Monday through Friday 3-5 PM and Saturday 8-12 and 1-5. Those hours will change on December 1^st to Tuesday and Thursday from 3-5 PM and Saturday 8-12 and 1-5.

It is also important to remember that we in America are blessed with a peaceful land. That comes with a price. DeWitt County Homefront reminds us that our sons, daughters, husbands and wives are sacrificing today by not being with their families but instead have chosen to spend their holiday ensuring our freedom by serving us in the armed forces. Since August, DCH has been collecting both money and staple items that will be sent to DeWitt County troops who are serving overseas assignments. These boxes will be sent out in time for Christmas. Any donations should be taken to Sunset Inn by December 5 or call Barb Lanier at 217-935-6451. Volunteers are need on December 6 at 1 PM for packing.

DCH also reports that Sgt. Nathan Florey is home. His mom Dee reports that he is doing well and will receive his therapy at St. Mary’s Hospital in Decatur which is convenient for the family. Home modifications will be completed the first of the year by Rob Beck Construction thanks to a grant from the U. S. Veteran’s Administration. What makes it an extra blessing is that Rob and Nathan were classmates. Welcome home, Nathan.

A lot has happened since the last Mayor’s Chair that has made Clinton a proud home and a thankful community. Here’s a list of just a few of them. Congratulations to VFW Top Salesman Jimmy Moore, ISU Distinguished Alum Malinda Evans, State Genealogical Society Awardee posthumously to George Wylder and recognition to the Vespasian Warner Library contributions to genealogical community, the two time award winning Clinton Area Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Bureau, Teleflora’s recognition of our own Grimsley’s Flowers and the Illinois Humanities Awardee, Joey Woolridge.

Now it’s time to gather around with family and friends to cook the fated bird or slice the fatted ham. Take some time to look out without complaint and survey all that lies before us and around us and declare as the ancients did long ago, “This is Good.”

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone.

You can contact Mayor Ed Wollet at wollet@clintonillinois.com or 217-935-6552

To the Editor:

Since Peoria Disposal Company has been openly allowing toxic air pollution in DeWitt County for apparently some time now, why should we believe they would prevent or even care about potentially poisoning our drinking water supply with their proposed PCB Chemical Waste Landfill? Why did it take complaints from local residents going to their own expense and trouble to detect unsafe methane gas levels and horrible odors before Peoria Disposal Company admitted to the problem or did anything to even start addressing the problem? Based upon the public letter published in the local media, it appears that this toxic air pollution issue was raised to Peoria Disposal Company over 1 YEAR ago and remains unresolved to this day.

WATCH Clinton Landfill asserts that the same types of irresponsible and careless behaviors we have seen so far from Peoria Disposal Company would likely occur again pertaining to potential future contamination of our drinking water supply. Will it have to take a future spike in cases of cancer, respiratory, or other significant health related problems occurring in our community before Peoria Disposal would even bother to respond? This recently disclosed methane and odor problem is yet ANOTHER example of what the public can likely continue to expect from Peoria Disposal Company's operations in DeWitt County and why a proposed PCB Chemical Waste Landfill will only add more risk to our environment in addition to placing public health & safety in further danger all in exchange for their corporation profits. It is clear to me that Peoria Disposal Company has been a poor steward of our environment, our community, and our trust. The DeWitt County Board Members and other elected officials that have sold out our community through their continuing blind support of Peoria Disposal Company should be ashamed of themselves and be held accountable.

Sincerely,
Matt Varble
President
WATCH Clinton Landfill

Dear Editor:

     I have always told my children to do the right thing, no matter how difficult that might be.  Now, It's time to practice what I preach and  let "the stink out," pardon the pun. 

     My husband, four children and I have lived in Heather Meadows subdivision, just outside of Clinton, for the past 16 years.   In the fall of 2009, we began to notice a strange pungent nighttime odor, particularly during wet or humid weather.  I  immediately recognized the odor as "Methane Gas." ( I was familiar with the odor after visiting a home close to a landfill in the St. Louis area.)  In the spring of 2008, I began to recognize this odor on a regular night time basis from the hours of Midnight--6 a.m..  The odor was particularly noticeable in front of the AREA DISPOSAL landfill south of Clinton.  I was so alarmed that I contacted both of the editors of Clinton newspapers;  IEPA (as discussed with our local director of public health,) and my husband, Alex, contacted the Peoria based owner of AREA DISPOSAL, Chris Coulter.  The IEPA case manager and Mr. Coulter,  (WHO LIVES IN PEORIA,) investigated the issue and found a system malfunction at the Clinton landfill.   (It was explained to us that the previous system which had burned methane gas from landfills had been regulated to burn only certain hours, due to the cancer causing/ health issues associated with the continuous "flame." )   After numerous discussions between IEPA and Chris Coulter from AREA DISPOSAL, we did notice an immediate improvement with the methane gas odor.  We were told by Mr. Coulter that the problem would be completely resolved by the end of August.  However, from September-November 16, 2009, I began to detect the smell of methane gas in and outside of our home 24 hours a day. ( We have been so concerned with the adverse health issues that we installed methane detectors in our home.  These detectors have continuously alarmed throughout the day!)  We have also begun to search for a home air filtration device and services that will professionally monitor methane gas outside of our home and en route to AREA DISPOSAL.     On November 16, 2009,  we again contacted the owner of AREA DISPOSAL/PEORIA, who told Alex that the current system is unable to handle the abundance of methane gas.  However, Mr. Coulter promised that a new system to better handle Methane Gas would be in place in the near future.   Today,  November 17th, I can;to detect the smell of methane gas outside or home or in various locations around the landfill.  However, our methane alarms continue to go off and I can still smell methane gas in our home.  (Methane gas collects in certain areas, such as crawls, basements, laundry ducts etc.)    I do not have any issues with Mr. Chris Coulter, the head of AREA DISPOSAL.  I've been told by IEPA and others that he's, " so nice and much better than other landfill owners. He is a great guy committed to solving problems."

    However, what happens to us if he leaves and we get "one of those other landfill owners?"  Yes, I agree,  AREA has been somewhat responsive when we have complained, but methane gas is an ongoing problem that we have dealt with for over one year!   It no longer only affects our subdivision,  I now detect the odor as far as Route 10, Douglas and Lincoln Schools.   I've also heard complaints from other subdivisions within Clinton, particularly on the east side.    The health issues alone warrant IMMEDIATE ATTENTION!    Methane gas is a highly explosive gas and can cause the following symptom:  headaches, nausea, mood disorders, chronic stress, depression, anxiety, agitation, respiratory problems and contributes to asthmatic episodes.   After some amateur investigation, I am overwhelmed and ALARMED!!!  Many individuals mistakenly believe the odor is from ADM, a distinctively different plant-like smell.   One man from a subdivision near mine and (three of his neighbors verified the story),  described an explosion and flames within his community well.  He explained that the methane gas had collected in a pipe and ignited!!!   Person after person describes to me that their concerns have gone unnoticed, brushed off by the IEPA and others.  Many have described symptoms such as chronic migraines, depression, agitation, asthma etc. that have escalated over the past year,  particularly during levels of high exposure.  Many residents have consulted physicians, who attribute their problems to, "unknown causes."   My own children will not go outside and report feeling like they are "drowning," at night when the air is filled with the methane gas.  Today, I had calls and e-mails reiterating that methane gas is indeed a problem and we are grossly uneducated about the health issues and what actions to prevent exposure.    Some are so concerned (including Alex and I,) that we have discussed moving and selling our home.   Through legal council, we were informed that to sell a home you must fully disclose a problem such as methane gas!  If health issues weren't causing stress to local residents, consider your property values!!!!    After much thought,  I really don't want to move and refuse to be run out of town by methane gas.    I like my home, my neighbors and most of all my community.  I AM COMMITTED TO STANDING UP FOR THOSE WHO WILL NOT OR CAN'T STAND UP FOR THEMSELVES.   Even if the problem is resolved and the quality of air improves,  I have some difficult questions that I want answered!!!!   They are as follows:

1.)  Why are landfills/ methane gas problems not regulated as strictly as the nuclear power plant is?  (I have noticed the same odor while traveling through Pontiac near the interstate.)

2.)  An "acceptable" level of methane gas in the air does not mean that we are guaranteed to be symptom free or will have quality of life.  Fresh air and water is our fundamental right and necessary for survival.   While I might have a headache, another individual could be suffering from debilitating depression or migraines caused by methane exposure. 

3.)  What is being done to address the health issues related to methane gas in our community?  What is being done in our community to research/ evaluate the symptoms related to methane gas exposure? If AREA DISPOSAL operations are faulty and leaking methane gas, why have we not been notified?  Is it not our right to know that we have indeed been exposed to high levels of methane gas????  Why is it up to local residents to notice problems, complain to our local government and contact a company based in Peoria? 

4.)  What is being done to educate our community about methane gas?

5.)  What systems are in place to monitor the methane gas in our schools/ nursing homes etc?  Are there monitors throughout town to detect dangerous levels of the gas?????  What is being done to help the impoverished who can't escape to an air-conditioned, controlled environment?

6.)  What statistics are available in this area related to health issues such as respiratory problems, depression, headaches, thyroid disorders, cancer etc.? 

7.)  Why is a system not in place that would alert the community/ county to toxic levels of methane gas?  (Some communities on the east coast have experienced similar landfill issues and set up a system that alerts the public as soon as an event/ methane leak is detected.   Levels of alert are assigned to methane levels in the air.    The lowest methane level would advise persons to stay indoors, the highest level advises relocation to another area.) 

8.)  The issue of methane gas detection can't be left to the business owner.   We must have regulation and control measures set up by IEPA etc.   Again, what is being done in our community?  Our state? Our Country? 

9.)  What happens if a company can financially influence politicians/ local government to look the other way?  What measures do we as citizens have to prevent our health from being compromised?

10.)  What are local legislators doing about methane gas, landfill and health issues?

The very last and most critical question is this.  How can I trust a company to dump undetectable toxic chemicals into my precious soil if they are negligent and releasing detectable methane gas into the air I breathe?  I am so disturbed that I am very willing to give all of my time to address these issues.  I can think of nothing more important than the health of my children, my family, my neighbors and my community.  Please, please, educate yourselves ABOUT METHANE GAS/ LANDFILLS and their health related issues  and START ASKING  QUESTIONS!!!!!  

Sincerely,

Sue Calvert

Clinton, IL

Dear Editor,



We have Governor Quinn and US Senator Durbin promoting our state of Illinois as the future home of the Muslim terrorists that planned the 9/11 attack on America. They are proposing this as an economic development project. The voters of Illinois should take notice of what Democratic leadership has done to the job base in Illinois. We have now resorted to housing the most vile scoundrels in the world in an effort to make work for our citizens.



To refuse to not make Illinois a more competitive state in which to do business when we are losing jobs to other states is a crime against the workers in Illinois. If we had not forced thousands of jobs to leave our state because of high taxes, regulation, and unfavorable legal concerns maybe we would not be so desperate to become the home of Muslim terrorists. One example of driving jobs out of Illinois is the thousands of trucking jobs that left our state after enacting new fees.



We would be better off positioning our state for the economic rebound by making Illinois a destination for business rather than taxing and regulating businesses from our state.



Housing terrorists is not economic planning; it is a response to the desperate situation that has been created in Illinois by the democrat leadership. It is a time for change in Illinois.



Sincerely



Terry Ferguson



12601 Washington Rd

Clinton Illinois 61727

Dear Editor:

The role of caregivers in the lives of people affected by muscle-weakening diseases cannot be underestimated. Beyond basic care, caregivers are the hands, arms, legs and sometimes even the voice of loved ones who cannot move on their own, but who still have much to give to the world.

Throughout National Family Caregivers Month this November — and always — MDA salutes the spouses, parents, siblings and friends who provide long-term and loving care, and who do it with humor and grace.

If your readers would like to salute a caregiver, they can go to the MDA Web site (www.mda.org) to post a tribute.

Our heartfelt thanks to the MDA family of caregivers in Central Illinois. They truly are heroes — to their loved ones and to our community!

Sincerely,

Glenda Camacho
Health Care Services Coordinator
Muscular Dystrophy Association
Prairie Chapter
115 N. Neil St. Suite 100
Champaign, IL 61820

From the Mayor’s Chair

November 5, 2009

I want people to talk to one another no matter what their difference of opinion might be.
Studs Terkel

I liked Studs Terkel partly because he was from Chicago and partly because he wrote the book on Working and gave us the oral book on The Good War. Also, it didn’t hurt that he had a really cool name. One of the earliest visitors to my office following my election was Bob Walters from Weldon. He wanted me to know about the Illinois Humanities Council’s Studs Terkel Award. Mayors and Village Presidents can nominate an outstanding individual in the field of the humanities to receive this coveted award. It is bestowed on the odd years. Bob was asking me to nominate Mr. George Wylder for his work in the field of genealogy. Unfortunately, we missed the timing of 2007.

But we did not miss in 2009. Thanks to Bob Walters and to committee members Larry Buss and Tom Rudasill, my nomination of Joey (Maurer) Woolridge was accepted by the IHC and she was awarded the 2009 Studs Terkel Illinois Humanities Council Award for outstanding work on behalf of the humanities. She was particularly cited for her work on preserving local history and the Lincoln Historic Society.

And what about George Wylder? He was recognized by the State Genealogic Society, as was the Vespasian Warner Library, for their work this past Saturday in Springfield. George was honored by his fellow genealogists with a plaque in his honor.

Another favorite newsman was one I tuned in around the noon hour on the AM dial…Mr. Paul Harvey. “And now, the REST of the story…” When I read a news account there are times I think… “I wish I were Paul Harvey and able to tell ‘The Rest of the Story’.” The garbage contract placed on file Monday night is a good example.

The story is pretty simple. The predominant hauler for well over a decade in the City of Clinton has offered to increase collection service for an extra buck. In exchange Clinton residents get a 95-gallon trash tote and a 65-gallon recycling tote. Trash pick up is the same. Recycling is single stream (that means no separating) and it’s picked up every other week. All the pick-ups will be made on the street-sides.

Now… “The Rest of The Story.” There’s never a lack of complaints about the condition of city alleys. Contributing to those conditions are garbage trucks. Over the years they have evolved from single axle relatively light vehicles to duel axle behemoths. Their tires sink into the soft surface when they stop to pick up a load and create ruts when their tires spin to gain traction as they start forward again. It’s hard on the equipment and personnel, too, often breaking off mirrors and coming close to contacting low hanging power lines. It’s time to look at alternatives.

During original garbage contract talks between the local hauler, Area Disposal, and the City, the issue of deteriorating alleys became the focus. With proposed changes to pick up street-side, curbside recycling became a real possibility. Earlier this year DeWitt County Human Resource Center (HRC) approached the City staff proposed a mandatory funding level of $5 per household per month ($60 per year) just to keep drop off recycling available.

Regular updates about the garbage contract talks were presented at monthly GreenSphere Global (GSG) committee meetings since encouraging recycling is a GSG goal. HRC, as well as the City, are members of GSG. Also, during this year committee members from GSG met with the HRC management and/or the Board of Directors to help research alternative funding avenues and grants as possible ways to help sustain the recycling program.

Last week, the city did facilitate a meeting between representatives of HRC and Area Disposal to discuss the recycling materials. The City wanted to ensure an opportunity for HRC clients to have Clinton’s recycling materials delivered to them. Area Disposal was willing to sign a contract with a guarantee from HRC to handle the increased volume of material Clinton will produce for at least the next five years. That meeting between Area Disposal and HRC took place this past Monday before the City Council meeting. The City did not participate in that meeting.

The history of recycling in DeWitt County has included many people but none have been more persistent or tenacious than HRC. They have worked in less than desirable conditions, both physical and economic, but maintained the recycling program for the benefit of both their clients and the citizens of DeWitt County. They popularized the idea of recycling for us…made us want it and expect it. HRC has supported the idea of curbside recycling too but funding has been the limiting factor. The recent economic downturn has also reduced the ability to sell the materials forcing HRC to severely reduce recycling services.

Financially recycling has never been a profitable venture for HRC. For over 10 years the County Board has provided an annual grant to support recycling and provided an additional grant for the purchase of equipment to streamline the operation. No user fees have ever been collected to support a local recycling center. As a result monies have often been shifted from other HRC programs to support recycling. After the most recent state budget cuts there simply is no money to shift. Without the management team at HRC and the Boards of Directors, both past and present, the next step would not be possible.

Now it’s time to work with HRC to find new ways to help their clients find useful work to improve self-esteem and learn new skills.

The good news for City residents is that, if this contract is enacted, recycling will be expanded at only $1 per household per month ($12 per year) and will become more available and more convenient. Trash collection will be moved to the street-side and our alleys should be in better shape over the long term and better able to be traveled. The city will take on a neater appearance and visitors and residents alike should take more pride in the community. That next step will mean change. And, that is “The Rest of the Story.”

You can contact Mayor Ed Wollet at 217-935-6552 or wollet@clintonillinois.com

Randall J. Miller, president

RandyRadio.com

Clinton, IL



I object to the radio editorial on healthcare reform aired today, Nov. 2, 2009.



May I remind you that you are licensed to use the public airwaves. That implies that you will use them responsibly. There was nothing responsible about the content of this editorial. Rather, it repeated the scare tactics that the health insurance cartel, with assistance from the Republican Party, has been using to stop any reform attempt for more than a half century.



First, you claim that seniors will be denied health care because Medicare pays only 40 percent of whatever it is billed. Assuming your claim it correct, you imply that private insurers pay full price; they do not. In fact, almost no one pays the full price of healthcare bills. All big insurance plans negotiate discounts from providers in return for directing patients to them. Full prices, by the way, mean $1 aspirin tablets and other outrageously priced items on every hospital bill.



Then, you claim that the public option is a stalking horse for single payer government health care. Would you were correct about that, although the weak public options being discussed in either house of Congress would do little more in the short run than provide an insurance option for those who are priced out of the private market.



You say that government-run health care will mean rationing and that seniors, in particular, will be denied procedures their physicians recommend. Let me remind you that we have more than 40 years experience with Medicare and there are virtually no horror stories of seniors being denied anything. In fact, when I covered healthcare for the Herald & Review in the 1990s, one of the complaints I heard frequently was that because Medicare approved virtually any treatment, we were doing expensive quadruple bypass operations on octogenarians.



All the horror stories of people being denied procedures they need involve private insurers. As profit-making enterprises, they have an incentive to deny coverage, drop coverage and use any loophole they can find to avoid meeting their contractual obligations. That is the nature of capitalism.



I would tell you where to put your talking points, but your insurer might deny coverage for the surgery that would necessitate.





Gary Minich

Decatur