I Just Don't Know...

In both of our morning papers today there was front page articles about ELO officials planning to appeal the $30 thousand fine that the EPA has levied against the city. The fine was for the removal and illegal burying of asbestos from the old car barn in 2006.

In both articles EL Mayor Jim Swoger is quoted as saying "I just don't know how they can fine us". Is he serious? The mayor buried his head in the sand from making any public comment when S. H. Bell got into trouble with the EPA. He left it up to others to speak of their indignation on the disregard of the health and welfare of East Liverpool residents. There was a real health risk going on up there according to the EPA and Swoger fluffed it off. Now he is playing the "woe is me" card for a mere $30,000 when they - the city - admitted they screwed up.

Someone in East Liverpool had the intestinal fortitude to do the right thing with the wrong they did with the asbestos incident. They contacted the EPA for guidance to rectify the situation. As a result the former Street Superintendant was fined and the asbestos was dug up and disposed of as prescribed. Surely Swoger is not that naive to think the city was going to get away Scott free. The danger of asbestos has been known for a long time.

Thirty grand is a lot of money to most individuals but as EPA fines go it ain't much. In the old t.v. show Baretta, the main character's motto was"if you're going to do the crime you have to be willing to do the time". Folks up the river was trying to skimp on the costs and someone was wise enough to do the right thing. Elected officials have to be responsible for what goes on in their territory. It's unfortunate it happened the way it did in the first place but it did. It's done. It's time to quit whining and get on with the business of running a city.

Good luck with the appeal...

ole nib