Case made for moratorium on CAFOs (09/29/06)

To the editor:

Now is the time for all good men to come to the aid of their country.

Maybe now would be a good time to stand back and let some of the "chaff separate from the grain"; take stock of where we are at, and where we should go from here.

Let us study to gain some wisdom to make a better decision as the guardian for this land we all love, and for this planet. Let us not bequeath unto our children, and for generations to come, a land that is polluted and barren of the good life this land has given us.

If our county elected and appointed officials do not want to take action now, instead waiting until state or federal officials tell us what we can do with the safety of ourselves, our children and this land, then maybe the very least that they can do is to put in place and enforce a moratorium not only on approving any further CFOs and CAFOs, but ethanol producers, etc., until some other government entity does what our local officials were elected to do.

Also, do not accept any permit applications to be considered, approved or even received by the planning commission, zoning board or anyone else during this time. It will not take long for all interested persons to be enlightened by the studies and reports we are soon to be blessed with. By the way, does anyone know how many permit applications are now in the process of approval?

If these potentially dangerous and poisonous businesses are good for us all now, why would they not be just as beneficial and safe in the future - just a few months after Ball State experts or some other equally qualified group (none of which is doing these studies for free) has a chance to report its findings. I know that Ball State has had courses in environmental studies and water quality for over 30 years, and they probably already know the safest thing to do to protect our most valuable resources - air and safe potable water.

I am no expert, but if I am hired to do a job, I must gain the knowledge to do that job, and I think everyone who works for someone else should do the same. Then if some "expert" gives out bad information, you can still glean the truth with the knowledge and wisdom you have equipped yourself with. Don't pass the buck, save us all a few bucks.

In favor of good hard-working government,

Terry LeMaster

Portland

C.A.S.A. thanks

To the editor:

Thank You to the Community of Portland, Indiana

The Commission on Hispanic/Latino Affairs, an organization which serves in an advisory capacity to Governor Mitch Daniels, and C.A.S.A. de Portland, our local organization whose goal is to improve the quality of life for Hispanic-Americans in east Central Indiana, wish to thank the city of Portland for assisting us in the celebration of the annual Hispanic/Latino month in Indiana.

This was the second celebration of the annual Hispanic/Latino Heritage month in Indiana, and the first celebration to be held in Jay County. The Indiana Hispanic/Latino Timeline shows there was a presence of Hispanic people in Indiana as early as the 16th century.

Special thanks go to Amy Mendoza, Executive Director of ICHLA who served as Master of Ceremonies. Thanks also go to the children who carried both the United States of America flag and flags from Mexico, Central America and South America. We thank Father Anthony Prosen from St. Mary Church, who conducted the Invocation and Benediction. Special thanks also go to Mayor Bruce Hosier and Vicki Tague and the Chamber of Commerce who have assisted C.A.S.A. de Portland from its inception.

Thank you to Frances Vega, Vice Chair of ICHLA, who introduced the Hispanic/Latino Timeline and introduced the ICHLA Commissioners.

C.A.S.A. de Portland President, Sam Racster introduced the CASA Board of Directors. He also presented the first Good Citizenship Award from C.A.S.A. de Portland to Braulio Ruiz Macias. The celebration was concluded with colorful dances representing the countries of Columbia and Mexico presented by Bailes Folkloricos Brias of Fort Wayne.

Adolfo Solis, executive director, and Sam Racster, president, C.A.S.A. de Portland[[In-content Ad]]