Good Morning Neighbor:I hope everyone is surviving this extremely warm week here in Georgia. I also hope that everyone is surviving these unbelievable gas prices. We are going to need a public campaign in the very, very near future to see what can be done in this arena - there will have to be an uprising of the citizens to say enough is enough. I am wondering what our boiling point is going to be - $4.00, $5.00 or $6.00? You can be sure it will be extremely high on my agenda in the State House.Please see the Forum below that our Environmental Institute of Georgia is co-sponsoring in the coming week. This is a free event and I encourage you to attend - we have got to start thinking as a community as to how to tackle this crisis.Also, please see an attached flyer for an Environmental Camp for High Schoolers that EIOG is also sponsoring. Our young people are going to have the opportunity to learn so much - please encourage their attendance.Your neighbor,ConnieWINNING OUR ENERGY INDEPENDENCEAn Energy Insider Shows HowJimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum441 Freedom Parkway | Atlanta | 404-865-7100Wednesday, June 11, 2008, 7:00 p.m.SPECIAL FREE EVENTS. David Freeman, legendary energy guru known as the "Green Cowboy," talksabout his must-read book that tells the American people the truth about U.S.dependence on the "Three Poisons" -- foreign oil, dirty coal and dangerousnuclear power. Speaking from a half-century's experience as an energyindustry and policy insider, Freeman asserts we have all the renewableenergy we need to wean ourselves from the Three Poisons and create asustainable future for our planet.Trained as both a lawyer and engineer, Freeman helped form the EnvironmentalProtection Agency under Nixon and was key advisor to President JimmyCarter's landmark national energy policy. As Carter's appointment to theTennessee Valley Authority, Freeman cancelled nine nuclear plants that wereunder construction and on order. Later Freeman headed Sacramento MunicipalUtility District, New York Power Authority and Los Angeles Department ofWater and Power and is currently cleaning up the Port of Los Angeles.Q&A and book signing follow the talk.Read more about Dave Freeman at www.thegreencowboy.com andPLEASE JOIN US FOR THIS SPECIAL FREE EVENT ON JUNE 11!Nuclear Watch South and Atlanta WAND host with cosponsors:Altamaha RiverkeeperCitizens for Environmental JusticeECO-ActionEnvironmental Institute of GeorgiaFoundation for Global CommunityFriends of the EarthGeorgia ConservancyGeorgia Interfaith Power & LightGeorgia Rural Urban SummitGreenLawNuclear Information & Resource ServicePhysicians for Social Responsibility/AtlantaSavannah RiverkeeperSierra Club/Georgia ChapterSouthface Energy InstituteSopobikes.orgSouthern Alliance for Clean EnergySustainable Energy TribeUnited Nations Association/AtlantaUpper Chattahoochee Riverkeeper
Thursday, June 05, 2008
Environmental Events of Interest
Monday, May 26, 2008
Two Years Ago
Good Morning Neighbor:Happy Memorial Day!! I especially want to send Peace and Blessings to all the men and women serving in our armed forces and their families who serve emotionally here at home. I know this email goes to my good friend Robert Black who is serving in Iraq and I also know that this email goes to many families in our community who have loved ones serving as well. I personally know on a very deep level the freedoms our country stands for - if it were not for the freedom of speech I would be in jail or put to death this very day. I am including an article below on the problems that China is having regarding breathing in toxic fumes and it cites an activist who is now in jail for calling attention to the matter. So even though our government can be very inadequate with regard to the environment at least we have the right to say so and we have those who are willing to literally lay down their lives for that right to thank!!It was two years ago this weekend that many in our community began smelling that "Onion Smell" and now we could not be more thankful for the smell. Had it not been for it we would have never known we were being poisoned!! Not too many communities have a trigger to know that they are being physically compromised in some way. We are so blessed to have been able to the shut the operations down at this plant and secure the safety of our community - there are so, so many communities who are still fighting the fight for their physical safety. However, our fight is far from over. Our fight still remains in the political arena - it is called "The Fight for Citizen Rights". I am posting an article below that educates us on exactly how our rights to have our voice be equal to that of government entities is just not there and we are not being protected to the extent that we should be. It is this balance that must be restored in order for our country to remain a true democracy where all people have a say and a republic where the individual citizen is being guarded as well.We will no doubt as a community continue the fight not only for the betterment of our community but for the higher good of all!!Your neighbor,ConnieSend Connie to the Capitol July 15Her Leadership Opens Doors for The Betterment of AllConnie Biemiller, GA House Candidate District 66Serving The South Fulton and Fayette CommunityP.O. Box 1593Fairburn, GA 30213-1593Web Channel - http://www.thecommunityvoice.tv/770-314-6999Please Contribute ata check payable to Connie's Campaign to the above addressAs Margaret Mead once said:Never underestimate the power of a few committed people to change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.
Monday, May 12, 2008
Criminal Charges?
Good Morning Neighbor:Below is an article of interest and something that should be well thought out by our State Legislature. The EPD needs to have an arm of criminal enforcement - it has none at this time. It can only fine companies that are not in compliance. And, the PSC fine of $100,000 was the largest fine ever given to an industry in the State of Georgia. However, we know this does little for a company that is sitting on billions of dollars.
With regard to PSC, Derrick Williams of the EPD informed me not long ago that a plan for the removal of the solidification pit was to be submitted by May 1 so I have requested an update on the status of the removal. Also, our Task Force has requested over and over again that a team of government officials and community leaders be allowed to be a part of the closing of PSC to give assurance of their proper cleanup but our request has been refused. The clear message is that an industry can poison a community without being answerable to that community. The voice and the power of the citizen and communities across Georgia must be restored and we will continue to push to make that happen.Your neighbor,ConnieConstance Thomas Biemiller, ChairSouth Fulton and Fayette Community Task ForceWeb Site - http://www.thecommunityvoice.tv/770-314-6999As Margaret Mead once said:Never underestimate the power of a few committed people to change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.
Thursday, May 01, 2008
Silence a Gift
Good Morning Neighbor:I did the unthinkable this week. I shutdown my computer, my cell phone, my t.v., closed my books and I rescheduled all of my work appointments. For the past two days, I literally spent my time in silence from the time I took my son to school to the time he got home. And, what a gift these past two days have been - it forced me to enjoy nature - it forced me to pray and meditate. I wanted further clarity as to what the next step in life for me was about. As many of you know, I decided to run for State House of Representatives last May and now it is truly time to put my name on the dotted line. I was led to understand exactly what was the gift and the function I brought to the State House Table. And, this is what I was given:My gift is bringing people together that are equipped with different talents and facilitating their function as a whole to accomplish a task for the higher good.My function is to provide leadership that brings about positive outcomes - especially when facing circumstances that may appear on the surface to be too difficult to overcome for the individual and the community.We are facing such critical times ahead and I find it no coincidence that I am running for office at a time when the Environment is on top of the Georgia House list. I am so disappointed that our state officials did not do more to make sure that our Water Crisis was truly in hand. I am also very disheartened that the Gas Crisis was not dealt with this session and here we sit with gas and groceries at an all time high. You can absolutely count on me to be the one to be knocking on political doors next session to bring legislators together to create legislation that truly helps our community and State in the above matters. After I am elected in July, I will call a Town Hall Meeting soon after and we will begin as a community to create a list of priorities that we would like to see championed at the State Capitol in 2009.I am truly committed to making a difference in Georgia as we have here in the South Fulton and Fayette Community. We stand as a shining example of what can be accomplished. And, as I sign on the dotted line today know that all of you are in my heart and that I have absolute clarity as to my role in service to our community.Your neighbor,ConnieSouth Fulton and Fayette Community Task Force, ChairConnie Biemiller, GA House Candidate District 66Serving The South Fulton and Fayette CommunityP.O. Box 1593Fairburn, GA 30213-1593Web Channel - http://www.thecommunityvoice.tv/770-314-6999Connie is to be elected July 15, 2008Make a Campaign Contribution today atAs Margaret Mead once said:Never underestimate the power of a few committed people to change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.
Thursday, April 24, 2008
The Green Grocery Shopper
Good Morning Neighbor:It was so great to see many of our neighbors at the Tyrone Earth Day event. The presence of our Task Force at such an event truly shows that our community will always endeavor to make a difference in the lives of others. Our Task Force devised a Green Grocery Flyer and I am copying it below in case you were unable to pick one up this past Saturday. I also want to give you a local website for Spezzano's Village Market - http://www.spezzanos.com/ - you can purchase organic vegetables from their coop at a very reasonable price - they are located in Tyrone. Also, you will see information below for the Two Doves organic farm in Peachtree City. If you know of any organic farmers or coops in the South Fulton area, please let me know.On a more non-green note, it is important that you know that the Peachtree City Council decided to spray sewage effluent onto their recreational fields. I have posted The Citizen article on The Community Voice Forum for you to read and make a decision as to how you as a citizen should respond. This is not just a practice happening in PTC but is happening in many places and it is important that you find out what is being sprayed on your local recreation areas and if this is a risk that you want your children or your neighbor's children to take.Your neighbor,ConnieSouth Fulton and Fayette Community Task Force, ChairCandidate Georgia House District 66
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
A New Adventure
Good Morning Neighbor:I am so excited to greet you this morning. I have so looked forward to this day when I could share with you about the Environmental Institute of Georgia - a vision that has been in the works for many months now. As we have always known, good will always reign supreme and this Institute is born out of the goodness of many, many hearts that want to make a difference in our world. The enclosed article really says it all and I hope that you will join EIOG in the days and months ahead as you learn more and more about the great things it brings to not only our local community but to the State of Georgia.Also, if you are out and about this weekend, make an effort to stop by the Earth Day Celebration in Tyrone this Saturday. Our Task Force will have a booth there with a special emphasis on providing our community ways to shop for pesticide free grocery items. EIOG will also have a booth where you can sign your children up for summer biology camps and while they are at the booth look through a microscope at a lot of creepy things (too creepy for me) - as Dennis Chase says, " he will never make a biologist out of me"!!Once again, I walk this earth today feeling so very blessed to be a part of something greater than myself and knowing that people who stand together for the higher good always, always make a difference!!!Your neighbor,Connie
Constance Thomas Biemiller, ChairSouth Fulton and Fayette Community Task Force770-314-6999As Margaret Mead once said:Never underestimate the power of a few committed people to change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.
Tuesday, April 08, 2008
Recent Onion Smell Reports
Good Evening Neighbor:The City of Fairburn has reported smelling the "Onion Odor" since last Thursday - please see my follow-up email from Assistant Director, Jim Ussery of the EPD. Also, if you have been smelling anything "onion like" please contact the EPD at 404-656-4863 or 1-800-241-4113.You must listen to Ben Nelms latest Podcast about our community and others who have been chemically poisoned, as well.http://www.thecitizen.com/~citizen0/audio/play/27113Your neighbor,ConnieDear Ms. Biemiller,Thank you for contacting EPD on April 3, 2008 regarding potential odors at the PSC Plant in Fairburn. Our investigation, conducted on April 3, 2008, did not detect any strong or unusual odors. I have attached a copy of our inspector's trip report for you information. If you have any further questions, please contact Derrick Williams at 404-362-2537.Sincerely,Jim Ussery
Tuesday, April 01, 2008
Residents skeptical about no-harm conclusions of onion-odor study | The Citizen Online
Good Evening Neighbor:You will find a great article written below by Ben Nelms with regard to the Final Health Consultation. I encourage you to click on to this article and then blog underneath it - it only takes a second to sign-up to blog and it would make a great statement that this community is not compromising on this subject! I will then send this link to our Legislators and State Agencies showing the blogs as well from the community.Make your voice heard!!Your neighbor,Conniehttp://www.thecitizen.com/~citizen0/node/26953Constance Thomas Biemiller, ChairSouth Fulton and Fayette Community Task Force770-314-6999As Margaret Mead once said:Never underestimate the power of a few committed people to change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.
Monday, March 31, 2008
Protest and Home Damage
Good Morning Neighbor:Please see the pictures below from Saturday's protest across the street from Vulcan Industries. There are several things to take note - the new pavement shown in one picture in front of Vulcan is compliments of the Quarry Task Force. We were protesting Thursday Evening and by Saturday the road was newly paved. I wish I had a picture of it prior to this because it is a wonder there were not many wrecks in this area - there was virtually no road left - the tires of cars dropped off the road every time they drove by us. Secondly, the pictures below are of a home just down the street that has been ravaged by the blasting - Vulcan even came to the house to pick up all the damage that occurred outside the home but has never bothered to help compensate for the indoor damages. I met the lady who lives at this residence - she is expecting a child and they do not have the money to rebuild the inside -plus they feel even if they did it would only be a matter of time again before the ceiling caved in again due to the blasting. Their insurance company turned them down because they do not cover earth movement damage.A person's home should be their sanctuary and for most of us it is the largest investment we will ever make. There is a moral imperative on Vulcan's part to see to it that they do not damage their surrounding community and there is a moral imperative by the State, County and City to see to it that there are no homes built nearby this industry. Everyone wants to throw their hands up once again and say, " well the quarry was already there or the land was already sold to developers" but does that really make any of this okay? Just like none of that meant that PSC's operations were okay because that site was built before the surrounding community was built. The fact of the matter is that those that we pay to protect us did not do their job and they must wake up and start protecting us now.Your neighbor,ConnieConstance Thomas Biemiller, ChairSouth Fulton and Fayette Community Task Force770-314-6999As Margaret Mead once said:Never underestimate the power of a few committed people to change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.IMG_0015.JPGIMG_0016.JPGIMG_0024.JPGIMG_0025.JPGIMG_0026.JPGIMG_0027.JPGIMG_0028.JPGIMG_0029.JPGIMG_0030.JPGIMG_0031.JPGIIMG_0034.JPGIMG_0035.JPG
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Residents want Rock Quarry to Close - SF Neighbor News - Forum | thecommunityvoice.tv
Good Evening Neighbor:Please see the article published today in the South Fulton Neighbor. The Quarry Task Force will be holding a protest to stop the blasting that is damaging their homes and health - tomorrow and Saturday. Please come be a part of the effort! We must not be complacent - we must take action for the betterment of all!http://www.thecommunityvoice.tv/forums/topic/39504?page_no=1#118355Your neighbor,ConnieConstance Thomas Biemiller, ChairSouth Fulton and Fayette Community Task Force770-314-6999As Margaret Mead once said:Never underestimate the power of a few committed people to change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.
Sunday, March 23, 2008
Pushing the Stone Away
Good Morning Neighbor:Whether you are Christian, Jewish, Buddist or Muslim, today has great significance - it is the day that we are all reminded that the Large Stone that covered the Tomb - the one that no one person should be able to move - was moved and can be moved!!!!! We are a community who continues to prove this in so many ways - we have shut down plant operations that everyone said was not possible, we have begun Senate testimony and we are continuing to bring light to the injustice that our government agencies have been able to carry out for many years. The victory of the stone being pushed away is telling us we must never give up!! Things like this Final Health Consultation can make us all want to say, " we the people can never win". However, our job is to go beyond this thought and remember that the stone has already been moved we just need to help others to see it.Everything we continue to do as a community matters - it really, really matters!! We are making a difference!!!Have a beautiful day!!Your neighbor,ConnieConstance Thomas Biemiller, ChairSouth Fulton and Fayette Community Task ForceWeb Site - thecommunityvoice.tv770-314-6999As Margaret Mead once said:Never underestimate the power of a few committed people to change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.
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