By Carol Layton, Guest Columnist
December 20, 2020.
Press and Sun-Bulletin, Binghamton NY, page A12.
I am writing in opposition to the guest viewpoint submitted by Endicott Mayor Linda Jackson published in the Sunday, Nov. 29 issue of the Press & Sun-Bulletin.
I am tired of all the lies being spewed about groups in Endicott being opposed to any industry being proposed for the Village of Endicott. The truth is that these groups definitely agree that industry needs to be brought to Endicott to fill the void that IBM has left our community.
However, bringing in companies that will further pollute and compromise our already contaminated area is not the answer. Before any company is considered, it should go through a thorough quality and environmental review. We have been damaged by other companies without even knowing it, so why shouldn’t we be more careful now that we know so much more about environmental concerns?
I’m afraid that the mayor is not being careful about these legitimate concerns of her residents she is supposed to be protecting, and it is not true that she has listened to them. The truth is that these groups are not just tr ying to scare the public, but are revealing the facts to bring to the surface all hidden information about the SungEel project.
Where is all the information the Village of Endicott claims to have in favor of the project, and why doesn’t she bring them out to the public for all to see? Where are all these people the mayor claims to be in favor of this project?
It is not fair that village residents are subjected to having to submit an email to the mayor on the Friday before Village Board meetings in order to be able to speak at the meeting. If the email is not received before noon, the request is denied! This is against free speech. If you are allowed to speak at the meeting, your questions are not answered there either. Don’t the residents have every right to voice their legitimate concerns, no matter what they are? Wasn’t the mayor elected to represent the concerns of the Village of Endicott residents?
The new zoning law that was passed does not offer any restrictions to protect the health and welfare of village residents. It only protects against the recycling of garbage.
SungEel is not a clean energy company due to the hazardous method they use to process lithium ion batteries. It makes sense to recycle batteries, but not at the expense of causing health and safety concerns, and especially in a heavily inhabited area of Endicott.
In conclusion, it is simply not true that Endicott residents do not want industry coming to the village. The truth is that there are individual groups actively working to attract new, clean industries and are being more selective to ensure the health and safety of its residents.
I’m afraid that the mayor is not being careful about these legitimate concerns of her residents she is supposed to be protecting, and it is not true that she has listened to them. The truth is that these groups are not just trying to scare the public, but are revealing the facts to bring to the surface all hidden information about the SungEel project.
Your Turn
Carol Layton is an Endwell resident.
NoBurnBroome 