A citizen responds:

TO: Valdosta-Lowndes County Industrial Authority, Local and State SCLC, NAACP, ICU, Churches, Editors, and beyond http://kvci.blogspot.com

On September 27, 2010 while attending the Valdosta City School Board Meeting held at J.L. Newbern Middle School at 7:00. When Valdosta-Lowndes County Industrial Authority Executive Director Brad Lofton, and Mr. Allen Ricketts, did their presentation before the school board concerning the Biomass Plant projected to come into our community.

What concerns me was Mr. Ricketts using my name during his presentation that could have given the impression that I (George Boston Rhynes) was in support of the Biomass plant coming into the minority community that already have too many existing pollutants. School Board Chairman Love closed the meeting before I could respond to Mr. Ricketts before the meeting was adjourned.

Mr. Ricketts comments during his presentation: “…the practical matter is once you put the electricity on the grid we don’t know where it will flow but most likely it will stay in Georgia because it will be purchased by a Georgia utility. Ah, of that 40 mega watts about two will be used to run the plant because the plant will be self sustainable. Ah, it will be able to produce enough electricity to carry forth its own operation.” &ldquoGeorge, you and I talked about that. Ah a couple of months ago when you was in my office. We had a good conversation about that. Now let us talk about what that means….”

MY RESPONSE! I would like to say to the board. That I know you have adjourned the meeting. But because my name was used I need to respond because I value my credibility and my name means everything go me. So I want each board member to know that George Boston Rhynes does not sign off on any part of the Biomass Plant. This I want to make perfectly clear so there is no confusion; about where I stand concerning the Biomass Plant coming into the minority community. Because I do NOT approve of it!

I live closer to Cherry Creek, than I do Mud Creek. And I would rather see

the plant closer to Cherry Creek where I live rather than building it on the Southside of town where we already have several toxic plants and industries. I thank very much!

IN ADDITION: As a long time member of the Valdosta-Lowndes County Branch of the NAACP, I was extremely disappointed, and offended by the unprofessional manner by which our local NAACP President Mrs. Leigh Touchton was addressed by the Valdosta-Lowndes County Industrial Authority at the City School Board. She is a National Hero in the Historical Archives of the National Office. She is a professional educator, wife, mother and proven leader with credibility as well as a professional in all undertakings.

So as a retired military veteran and concerned citizen involved in civil and human rights since 1975, I want it known. That our local NAACP President cannot be condemned without first condemning the entire NAACP Membership, community leaders and the people she represents. In addition there is no chairman, president, or pastor that has taken on the challenges that are presently plaguing our city and community as Mrs. Leigh Touchton! She is without question a born leader and the citizens of our community stands 100% in support of her actions.

Therefore the Valdosta-Lowndes County Industrial Authority should apologize to Mrs. Leigh Touchton for the inappropriate remarks made about her during the Valdosta City School Board Meeting wherein she as NEVER given the opportunity to respond!

I cannot speak for the NAACP or its many members that were in attendance. However I was very much offended by the comments made against her without Chairman Love or any of the Valdosta City School Board Members feeling a sense to give her such an opportunity &emdash; is unreal! She should have been given an opportunity to respond even if she did not wish to use it.

Yes! I am once again disappointed in the entire Valdosta City School Board of Education; as I was in their denial of our children being able to listen to President Barack Obama’s Speech on live Television. The School Board should have given the NAACP President a chance to respond simply because it was the correct thing to do along he lines of fairness. How sad? I believe NO citizen should be granted more rights or privileges than another especially at public meetings in 2010! God bless!

GEORGE BOSTON RHYNES

Retired United States Armed Forces Military Veteran

A concerned citizen and brother of humanity

PS: Lets wait and see how much of this public meeting held in the State of Georgia will be presented to the general public by local television, newspapers, and radio stations in our area. However you can always check http://kvci.blogspot.com (We believe in Citizens Right to Know)

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