Coal meeting is today

To the editor:

I am alarmed by the action about to take place by the MEA Ratepayers Alliance. I have received information that they are bringing a “team” from West Virginia to Alaska to provide “Information” at public meetings in an effort to prevent Usibelli Coal Company from conducting mining operations at the Jonesville Mine near Sutton.

Considering the present economic situation with unemployment at 11 percent, I find it incomprehensible that anyone would endeavor to prevent a person from acquiring a well-paid job such as those in the mining industry. I am especially concerned for our returning young men and women veterans who will be facing a grim job market. The Sutton mine will employ 50 to 60 with wages in the $60,000 a year range. Additionally, all the coal mined in Sutton will be shipped through Seward providing additional jobs in Seward at the ship loading facilities.

Bringing in “Outsiders” is a poor choice by the Ratepayers Alliance. Most of us, “Really don’t give a damn how they do it Outside.” Just because these folks from West Virginia screwed up their mining operations doesn’t mean we will. These are the same type of people who opposed the Trans Alaska Pipeline. Were they wrong, or what? Usibelli has been mining at Healy for 65 years and has an outstanding environmental track record. All we are seeing here is a radical group of selfish individuals trying to impose their ideology on Alaska.

The first public meeting is 5 p.m. today at the Train Depot in Palmer. Show up. Voice your opinion.

Dave Glenn

Palmer