Three commissioners did not represent all

To the editor:

There has been multiple public hearings in regards to the Usibelli Coal mine lease renewal in the Moose Creek/Sutton/Chickaloon area of which I have been in attendance. At each of these meetings the voice of the people, including those not of the Sutton/Moose Creek area, has been strongly against this renewal as this mine is located in a residential area, would compromise air and water quality, reduce property values for the residents of the area, cause damage to homes from blasting and increase heavy truck usage on a narrow road and residential area — including close proximity to a school.

Usibelli has had multiple safety violations, has no regard for the concerns of the area residents or borough regulations and would be profiting from the resources that belong to the residents of the Mat-Su Borough — not its governing body or the state.

At the last planning commission meeting the resolution failed in a vote of 4-3 to renew this lease. Commissioners Bruu, Foster and Zobel were those in favor.

Mr. Bruu’s comments were in opposition to that of the residents in regards to the decrease in property values or the economic base local businesses provide (which would be compromised), stating they were not a substantial benefit to borough funding.

Mr. Zobel stated that the borough had no power against that of the state DNR or DEC — not fulfilling his responsibility of representing the residents of this borough in fighting for the rights of those in whom state nor national sovereignty rests — the people. I asked to speak to him after the meeting and he stated he could not discuss it.

Mr. Foster stated he voted in favor for the support of his friends so the new road would not effect them — completely disregarding the concerns of the entire community.

This resolution will go before the borough assembly on June 15. Please take this much-needed opportunity to be a voice against any renewal or easement to this completely inappropriate project. It is about our responsibility as a community as a whole — not just those of the residents of Moose Creek.

I would also like to thank those who supported the Bringing America’s Heritage Back To Life! Emergency Preparedness and Self Reliance Fair.

It is those principles that this country was founded on and for which we must now stand.

Niki Taysom

Wasilla