Not too long ago, I was doing some research on the Richwoods Township annexation back in 1964. During the time leading up to the referendum, there was a lot of heated rhetoric, and when the vote came around, the citizens were split almost right down the middle. The annexation passed by a mere 336 votes.
Yet, when it was all over, I was struck by a comment made by one of the opposition leaders. He expressed his disappointment over the loss, but then he added that he was a civic-minded man and wanted to see Peoria succeed, so he would get behind the annexation and do what he could to make sure the transition went smoothly. He wanted what was best for Peoria. This man was a true statesman.
Compare that response to the hazardous waste landfill proponents after the county board denied PDC’s application for expansion:
- Hazardous-waste enthusiast Bill Dennis said on his blog, “The NIMBY […] crowd think they won last night. I’ll let them savor their ‘victory.’ After the lawsuits start and the bills rack up […] and the unemployment claims are filed, I’ll try not to gloat about being right.”
- County board member and expansion supporter Merle Widmer wrote similarly, “This highly Christian community denies they are of the NIMBY crowd. Good Christians are compassionate and willingly accept other people’s problems, they say. We’ll see. The businesses leaders of this community see why the closure of this disposal site could prevent waste creating companies from coming here like, say medical laboratories….”
- A pro-expansion commenter on Bill’s blog added, “The Peoria County Board reacted in cowardice because they are politicians and their chief responsibility is to ensure that they get re-elected. Had more of them looked at the facts, and had the virility to make the right decision even though the vocal minority of the public wouldn’t like it, the vote would have been to approve by a good margin.”
You get the feeling from reading some of the blogs and comments that these proponents actually wish the county would lose an appeal, or PDC would lay off a bunch of workers, or some other ill-will, just so they can spitefully say “I told you so.” Where are the statesmen today who lose gracefully and wish the best for the community?
The only comment I could find that had a hint of graciousness was, in all places, the Journal Star’s editorial: “Though we endorsed the landfill’s expansion, with conditions, for the community’s sake we hope there is no reversal.”
If proponents are correct that a reversal would mean PDC could expand the landfill without any of the conditions or safeguards the county requested, including their offer not to add to the oldest part of the landfill, I would hope proponents wouldn’t really be wishing the worst on Peoria just because the vote didn’t go their way.
I love how Merle plays the “compassionate Christian” card.
I’m the first to admit to a little post-decision snarkiness. But I am no where near as rude and insulting as the people who accused me of being in the pocket of the Coulter family, or of having a relationship with one of them.
I don’t want there to be a lawsuit. I just know there is going to be one. And I predict the county government will lose.
Mazr: Yes, I thought his definition of “compassion” was off-the-wall (“willingly accept other people’s problems”). I guess if we were truly “Christian” by his standard, we would house all the nations criminals here as well.
Bill: Fair enough. I, like you, hope there isn’t a lawsuit. However, I’m more optimistic that the County will win if there is one.
I will openly and honestly admit to being the one who said Bill as being in the pocket of PDC or dating a Coulter family member. Didn’t know anyone else did, though. Said the same about Merle Widmer, of course. There was snarkiness abound prior to the vote, natch.
But we’re talking post-vote here, Bill. And noting the comment made by that PDC lab tech in the PJS article on the no vote – about PDC hopefully developing new technologies – I would gladly work WITH PDC to promote such technologies. Landfilling toxic substances is no longer okay here. My fondest wish would be to work with anyone and everyone who wants to improve our environment. And I firmly believe that PDC is capable of developing new technology, and honestly, I think this is a family with sound integrity. I never thought they were ill-intentioned in the expansion proposal (most of my group would tell you the same thing). Clouded by business issues, profits – maybe. Too “old school” in their thinking, a bit much confidence in the declining methodology/technology – probably.
So, indeed, we move on. I actually have a small bit of hope that PDC won’t appeal at all. That they will move on too. Focus on the solid waste aspect of their business. Or find space at the three other landfills they own (which are much further away from any population centers that I can tell) for this piece of their multifaceted corporation.