The Independent-News, Volume 117, Number 51, Walkerton, St. Joseph County, 14 May 1992 — Page 4

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- THE INDEPENDENT NEWS - MAY 14, 1992

| EDITORIALS

A GROWING TREND? The primary election last week in our area, and the continual talk and actions concerning other state’s primaries and the upcoming general election in the fall, makes one stop and wonder. Are we becoming a people who votes negatively or in protest in this country? Despite what one may think, in reality this may be a mistaken answer to several questions. As far as voting in protest, yes. That is obvious. That appeared to be the case in the recent John Glenn School Corporation School Board of Trustees election, but not just a protest in general, this was a protest against an issue. The same was obvious two years earlier, when once again a controversial issue was the top news story in the local area. The protest was against the decisions made, not just a protest against those in office. You hear so much now similar to “vote the incumbents out’’, regardless of what is being done. This type of approach is a very bad way to face any situation. It is true, at all levels, from school boards, town boards, county, state and federal offices right up to the top, there is always someone that probably isn’t doing the job expected. But does that mean that everyone in office, regardless of where or what office, is doing a bad job. We think not. The incident concerning the House Bank in Washington has added fuel to these thoughts. You continually hear the cry to get rid of all of them. And yet, going through the list, individual by individual, there certainly would be a number of these people involved that would get your support. Probably the party they belong to has as much bearing on one’s feelings in a case such as this as anything. Would a good area Republican say that John Hiler should have been dumped because he was on this list? We think not. If he could make a mistake or have an oversight, couldn’t others? And after all, it still remains no one was beaten out of any money by this practice. It was just a lousy way of doing business for the politicians in Washington. It is healthy that the public becomes more aware of what is going on and becoming involved in these situations. A protest vote against an issue is an entirely different matter than just a negative vote for no apparent reason at all. With our system today, it is obvious that we do not always get the best candidates to run for office, again at all levels. Big money has made too much of an influence in who is going to run and who isn’t. It is not just a matter of who is the best person, they often aren’t even close to making the list of candidates for one reason or another. It is our hope that public interest continues at al! levels, but also that common sense also enters the picture. A protest against an issue is one thing, a protest just for the sake of protest, is something else. Despite not being satisfied with a lot of things going on, one must not just completely blame the overall system for all the problems, the real answer and solution should be sought and pursued. Let’s hope that for the next five-and-a-half months we can have a better campaign, more positive issues and a concerned public to make the choices that are ahead. We need to get the negativeness out of the campaigns and elections, whether it be local or national. A positive approach is so much more appealing and in the long run can be much more productive for all.

“Property Values” I moved to North Liberty six years ago. Friends of ours convinced us that North Liberty was a fine community to live in and raise our children. We are trying to sell our home so we can build a home closer to the Town of North Liberty. Four weeks ago when we placed our home on the market, we found out that some people in the town had invited Stericyde to consier buying a site in our Industrial Park. After two calls the day after our house was listed, we have received no further inquiries. I am worried that if this company moves into North Liberty that property values will be affected, if we can even sell our homes. We contacted the Independent Fee Appraiser’s Assn, in St. Louis, Missouri, and they gave us the names of two appraisers in Evansville, Indiana who have worked with this situation before. One of the gentlemen's reply to us was, “Miss, you have my sympathy.” The other appraiser said there is a perceived concern when dealing with any type of waste. This perception is called the faith type of

depreciation and it refers to the stigma of the facility. This stigma not only includes the site itself, but is also indddes the route the trucks use to go in and out of the facility. At the April 16 meeting, Stericycle representatives told us they didn't know if our property values would be affected since they did not know the current values of our homes. I hope that this information will open the eyes of everyone who lives in our community and makes them take great caution in the decision of Stericyde locating in our area. Our Town Board representatives need to hear from everyone. They are Ron Kinas, Tom Daugherty, Rich Warner, Dave Sheaks and Denny Fisher. Concerned mother “In Favor Os Stericyde” As a business owner and property owner in North Liberty, I would like to voice my opinion on the “Stericyde” issue. 1 admit when I first learned of Stericyde and their intentions 1 initially had mixed emotions about it but dedded to stay “open minded” until I had heard all the facts. With an office building bordering the Industrial Park and as a property owner with a storage building inside the Industrial Park I feel 1 have a very strong interest regarding my investment in this matter.

After attending the meeting in the Community Building and listening to the debates of all the pros and cons concerning this issue and talking to the representatives from Stericyde 1 came away 100% in favor of Stericyde and them building their facility next to my investment in the North Liberty Industrial Park. lam also convinced that their operation poses no threat or danger to the welfare and health of the community, as it offers a very attractive alternative to the way hospitals dispose of their infectious waste now either by incineration or land fill disposal. I feel more threatened by area gas stations, the transportation of radioactive materials and military hardware by trucks or railroad. I would feel a lot safer knowing that infectious waste was being broke down into granules and coming out 100% bacteria free than burning it into the atmosphere or landfiling it full of infectious bacteria the way is currently is. If Stericyde chooses North Liberty for their next site, I personally welcome them to our great town and wish them success for years to come. Andy Becker “Order Was Loot” Order was frequently lost during the North Liberty Town Meeting concerning Stericyde May 8. The president of the North Liberty Development Corporation was in charge of the meeting. He stated time and/or question limits, but throughout the meeting, he would rudely call time on a citizen, but he would let anyone from Stericyde finish what their were saying. Indirectly disruptions were encouraged during the meeting. Language unbecoming of a chairperson was used and resulted in losing order. We want to know how he is qualified to make presidential decisions for the North Liberty Development Corporation if he cannot conduct a simple town meeting. If all the North Liberty Development Corporation board members are like the president, God help us! Concerned Citizens of North Liberty “Not Medical Waste” With the proposed Stericyde plant in North Liberty by the North Liberty Development Corporation and the North Liberty Town Council has certainly caused hearts to pound and blood to boiling. The Industrial Park was formed for business not a medical waste processing plant. Request Name Withheld “Stericyde Public Meeting” (This is the speech John Wilcox delivered at the meeting Friday, May 8, concerning Stericyde, following his visit to the Washington site.) Speaking in public is something I really don’t enjoy doing. If I sound nervous, it’s because I am. To make sure I say everything I want to say, I’ve prepared a statement which I will read for everyone. My name is John C. Wilcox. I’ve lived in North Liberty all of my life, except when serving our country in the United States Navy. My mother taught school here. Mr father started a business here with my uncle in 1946. I became an owner of the grocery business when my father retired in 1966 and operated the business for 23 years. My wife Sally and I raised our three chilren as well as a niece and nephew here. I love North Liberty. As a business owner, I know the value of bringing new businesses to a community. New jobs, more residents and all the positive ripple effects are things we need. North Lberty can be a tremendous community for business. We are friendly and intelligent people, have a fine school system, affordable housing and a moderate cost of living. And our town is home to a truly wonderful resource — The

Potato Creek State Park. Despite all of these assets, for years now we’ve struggled to attract new business. Many community minded people have contributed thousands of hours trying to bring new business here. With only a slight recovery between two recessions in the last 10 years, it’s been tough to bring new business here. That brings us to today and the Stericyde company that wants to build a medical waste processing facility here and the promise of new jobs and increased tax base. I was asked to get involved by members of the Industrial Board. They know I would be as objective as 1 could be. And let me tell you — I really didn't want to do this because there is no middle ground as consensus here. I was one of the group who went to Washington state last weekend to see the new Stericyde plant there. I went there with an open mind. 1 went there to listen and learn. The Stericyde folks were very cordial and accomodating. The following is an account of the two-and-a-half days there: Friday, we arrived in Seattle early in the evening and checked into our hotel, after which we all went to the lounge and socialized that evening. After breakfast on Saturday, we were driven by van around 100 miles to the facility. We spent around three hours in the plant. They walked and talked us through the operation. Several plant workers were at their stations and the plant manager conducted the tour. John Harbaugh asked them to run the grinder to experience the noise levels inside the plant, which they did. The noise seemed acceptable to us. We did not see the actual “sterilization” process of medical waste. This may have been due to some regulation, but I am not sure why. After being walked through the operation we had lunch in their office. We were also joined by a local town board member and their economic development leader. They asked us for any questions we had. We talked for about an hour. Some questions were asked. The two community people we met were generally supportive of Stericycie, which has been operating there on a part-time basis for less than six months. We left the plant and drove two miles to a beautiful view of what remains of Mt. Saint Helens. We then returned to Seattle late in the afternoon. That evening we ate dinner together. Little Stericyde business was discussed except for an occasional comment or question. Before the night ended, we all had a night cap and a light discussion, but nothing in depth. On Sunday, we took a drive through downtown Seattle and saw many beautiful sites as well as where the recent riot had occurred there. Then we flew home. Our group has not met since then. I do not represent any group, although I believe many people may agree with my views. I have not planned or discussed my feelings with anyone other than my family. These are my feelings. 1. There is no need whatsoever to rush ahead before we obtain and study all the information available to us from state and federal agencies who have experience with this company. To date, this has not been done. It should be done — done by our elected town officials, and all concerned residents. To date, the most thorough gathering of information has been done by a small group of townspeople who oppose Stericyde. Whether you agree with them or not, as of today, right here and right now, they have done more research and obtained more official documentation about Stericyde than anyone else. And they deserve our respect for their efforts whether we agree with them or not.

To rush into this with all the controversy surrounding Stericyde is wrong. That is not the way we do things here. The right way is to proceed by getting all the information first, study it, talk about it, then dedde. 2. I an not convinced of how much positive economic development Stericyde will bring. Their lack of a real track record of their operations and what impact they have are only educated guesses at this time. Really, the more I think about it, I wonder whether Stericyde would attract, or repel, other businesses from locating here in the future. 3. Today, Stericyde is an “experimental industry”. I don’t believe North Liberty should be a laboratory for them to develop and refine their processing of the medical industry’s “dirty laundry”. I’m not a sdentist. And everyone who knows me knows I'm not a radical. I’m just someone who wants the best for our community. But without a proven track record, without having all the information we need to make an intelligent dedsion and not an emotional one, as well as my personal desire for the best possible economic development in our community, I cannot, at this time, support inviting Stericyde to North Liberty. “1 Promised” Last week, I promised that I would tell you about my tourism trip around St. Joseph County. Maryin Hochstetler and I, along with 47 other people, left the United Limo depot at 8:00 a.m. We then proceeded to Osceola, where we were given a nice lecture on the town and several older buildings in town. We then went to the town hall where we were treated to refreshments. Needless to say after having only two small zingers and a cup of depot coffee, I was hungry. We had a small biscuit and gravy, small cup of soup, made by and served to us by the owners of their restaurants. Cookies and coffee were also served. The local businesses and manufacturers had set up displays of their shops. This area seems to be getting bigger and better all the time. We then went to Ferretti Baugo Creek Park. I was a little disappointed here, the French voyager wasn’t there this year. Their campout hadn’t been held yet. Finally, we hit Highway 23 and Maryin gave us the scoop on Ginger Hill. It seems that this was the first post office in the area. We then came into North Liberty where it was my turn to talk. We didn’t stop in North Liberty this year. We then came into Walkerton, where I was greeted by Marsha with a carnation in hand. I had forgotten that I had threatened her, but happily for me, she hadn’t. Thank you Marsha’s Flower Shop. The Chamber of Commerce had set up a nice dessert table. Many of die local business people had come to greet us. Mrs. Fox, from Mahoney’s, tried very hard to sell me a car. But she just wouldn’t take my offer of SIO.OO for a 1992 Olds. Jan Davison of The Koontz Lake Bed and Breakfast, came in from the lake and was helping with the handouts. I then took a group around the area showing off our newspaper and the shops across the street. We then boarded the bus for a quick trip to Koontz Lake. After backtracking to Walkerton, we headed for Potato Creek State Park. It seems that volunteerism had slacked up in popularity. We muddled through the Park without a guide. Our bus driver was very helpful in explaining things to us. When we left the park, our next stop was the Old Lakeville School. We were greeted by the largest display of crafts and art goods that I have seen in a long time. Everything from lawn furniture to baskets and quilts were on sale. I even saw Eleanor from the Heckaman’s Quilt and Yarn Shop. Elea(continued on Page 11)