An open letter to Gulf County citizens

Dear Editor:

Mayor Mel, I saw and heard your statements on public television Channels 7 and 13 in Panama City and I quote you, “This biomass plant will produce 200 local jobs during its construction and approximately 25-40 full-time jobs, again local, during operation of the plant.” Okay. I will go on record as asking you to produce the names of the local construction companies and of the local labor crews. I bet that like the last two big jobs in Port St. Joe, CVS Drugs and the new Dollar Stores, they will come from out of county and even out of state. Voters, take a look for yourselves at tags and the contractors’ work trucks. By the way, if you have no federal funds for this “project” how will we pay for this plant? More taxes?

Bet me that not one 100 foot tall smokestacks will turn away tourists and new buyers to this area. Gulf County will be the loser in the near future. Bay waters along the so-called city drinking water “ditch water” gets more dirty or unfit. Bay fishing, swimming, scallops will be again a thing of the past. Just as it was during the days of the old mill and of the chemical plant. Clean air, take a deep breath now, enjoy and remember how it was. Health issues will increase I promise.

Wind or solar power would have been a much better choice. Clean air – no pollution.

John Parker

Highland View