Editor, Times-Union: I am writing in response to John DeGroff's four-part ethanol series. I'd like to clarify one point from the third installment, regarding tailpipe emissions.
It's important to note that while tailpipe emissions may be lower when burning E85, the ethanol production process itself produces very large amounts of air pollution emissions. A chart at www.milfordethanol.com demonstrates just how high an ethanol refinery's emissions are compared to other manufacturing companies in our area.
Increased reliance on ethanol may lower overall air pollution nationwide, but an ethanol refinery locating in Kosciusko county would certainly increase our local air pollution levels.
I think Mr. DeGroff has done an excellent job with his series - thank you.
Lisa Glon, via e-mail Milford
Office Holders
Editor, Times-Union: Well the election is here and it is time for the people of Indiana to make their voices heard. Many have said we need to look forward and not back, and that is fine as long as the view forward is tempered with the reality of the past. Over the last two years we have been witness to an unprecedented level of arrogance in the leadership of this state. Never has the government of this state acted contrary to such a large majority of citizens as has the current leadership. When between 70 and 85 percent of your citizens whom you happen to work for believe you should vote one way, then you had better be listening.
I know it is said the average citizen just doesn't understand, well let me tell you neither do those in the legislature. I have yet to get any meaningful answers of just what all was in the toll road bill, which means none of those that voted for it had even read it. They just went ahead and passed a bill which will dictate how east/west transportation in the northern third of our state is controlled for the next 75 years. If their crystal balls are that good, then they already have jobs lined up following this election.
I know Mitch claims many good things for the state, but what we really have is what we have always had, unmanaged, uncontrolled growth because no one in state government has the backbone to stand up and get meaningful land-use legislation passed. It appears we are going to have ethanol plants at every county crossroads. Just what we need is letting an industry that would not even exist if were not subsidized by your tax dollars take control of the state at what appears will be a tremendous cost to our poultry, swine and cattle operations.
I am a fiscal conservative, which means I no longer have a political party since the Republicans have made even the most liberal democrats blush with their recent spending binges. I believe in sustainable planned growth that takes into account businesses already in place and not just new businesses wanting to come in with tax abatements and whatever else the state can give away at the expense of its working class citizens. I want people in my government to always remember they work for me and every other citizen of this state. We put you in office and we can take you out of office, and we will continue to do so until we get representation that is doing what is best for the future of the state and country and not the outcome of the next election.
