Air Quality Advocates Rally in Fresno

by Mike Rhodes (editor [at] fresnoalliance.com)

Thu, Jun 18, 2009 5:47PM

Daniela Simunovic from the Center on Race Poverty & the Environment says the Central Valley has the worst air quality in the nation. More than 100 residents from the valley held a rally today at the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District in Fresno. They were demanding the resignation of Governing Board member Mike Nelson. Listen to the 2:24 minute audio report below to find out why.

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This is the Press Release sent out by Air Quality advocates to announce the rally:

MEDIA ADVISORY
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: PRESS CONFERENCE & RALLY
WEDNESDAY JUNE 17, 2009

Contact: Daniela Simunovic, Center on Race Poverty & the Environment (661) 586-1247
Sarah Sharpe, Fresno Metro Ministry (559) 485-1416
Melissa Kelly Ortega Mother and Concerned Citizen of Merced (209) 261-7109
Community calls for resignation and censure of Valley Air District Board Member Mike Nelson:
Call on him to Tune in or get out!

The Center on Race, Poverty, and the Environment (CRPE), community members, and environmental justice advocates will rally outside of San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District (SJVAPCD) offices in Fresno and Bakersfield, demanding the immediate resignation of Merced County Supervisor Mike Nelson from his position on the SJVACPD Governing Board (Board) for statements he made at the May Board meeting. CRPE and its allies will also be calling on the Board to formally censure Supervisor Nelson for violating the core values the Board states it holds.

The SJVAPCD claims to value “respect for the opinions and interest of all Valley residents[1],” but at a Board hearing on May 21, 2009, during the discussion on the SJVAPCD’s Rule 4570 Nelson said:

“If we don’t listen and work together we won’t get it and that’s good for me to remember too because honestly, when folks like Sarah [Sharpe] get up here and others, I tend to tune you out because as it says right here on our agenda front page, the governing board depends on the credibility of witnesses and the veracity of testimony, the truthfulness of testimony given here and often times when people come up here I don’t think they are telling the truth so that’s it.”

The legitimacy of our democracy depends on our decision makers listening to the public; while, our decision makers don’t have to agree with us, they do have to listen to us. Valley residents breathe the dirtiest air in the Nation and we deserve leaders who will listen to public concerns, and respect the diverse views held by members of the public. We demand accountability for Supervisor Nelson’s blatant disregard for the public and public health advocates. This is an issue of public trust, and the need for public officials to honor and listen to members from all sectors of the public.

The SJVAPCD and its Board have a huge responsibility to the public they serve, to clean our air and protect our public health. By allowing Supervisor Nelson’s comments to go without an official reprimand from the Board sends a message to the public that it is acceptable for members its Board to disregard the public’s opinions.

WHO: CRPE, Community Residents, Environmental Justice & Public Health Advocates
WHEN: Thursday June 18, 2009
Rally 8:00 am Press Conference 8:30 am
WHERE: Outside San Joaquin Valley Air District Fresno Office
1990 E. Gettysburg Ave 93726
###

For more information: http://www.crpe-ej.org

§A Rally and March was held before the Board Meeting

by Mike Rhodes

Thu, Jun 18, 2009 5:47PM