Letter to the Editor: Becky Mishoe

We heard about the fire in Lenoir at the site of a biodiesel plant. We weren't really surprised since we already knew of the dangers.

The owner of this facility spoke at the Iredell County Commissioner's meeting before this insane petition was approved by four of the commissioners. Sara Haire Tice was the lone common-sense board member who opposed locating a chemical plant in a rural area.

If this fire had occurred at the proposed location on Snow Creek Road, we can only imagine the catastrophic damage. What with the drought conditions and wind, the fire would have spread very easily. Would our homes still be standing?

The Lenoir plant is located in an industrial zone, not next to someone's home. And what about the firefighter who was "taking a walk" when he saw smoke and reported the fire? Was there no fire alarm system?

Oh well, the expert who testified at the Iredell board meeting said the dangers "are fairly benign" and we see how true that is. If you have been questioning what all the fuss is about, now you know.

This is just one hazard associated with a chemical plant. There are other safety issues which we tried to explain to the commissioners. The majority ,apparently, is not concerned with the impact this decision will have on the lives of many of the very citizens who helped elect them.

Please don"t stand by and allow this to happen. It is time to speak out and help preserve rural life. Our support group, North Iredell Neighbors for Rural Life, is working hard. Please contact us by phone at (704) 876-4603 for more information.

It is a good feeling to stand up for a just cause.

Becky Mishoe
Statesville