Barstow Leader Speaks Out Against Mitzlefelt

In November 2005, Ted Baca was elected the Barstow College Board with a total of 4,500 votes, 62% of votes cast. I have great respect for Dr. Baca and certainly agree with his position on this issue. I hope to see other leaders with the same courage and follow his actions, step up to the plate and express their concerns. This letter below sends a strong message to Supervisor Mitzlefelt. Joe

Letter to the Editor March 10, 2007 March 9, 2007 - 6:54AM County ignores residents on composting plant issue I am going to keep this short and to the point. What part of "we don't want the composting plant here" don't the Supervisors understand? The towns, cities, or businesses that generate any type of waste should be required to dispose of it in their backyard, not ours (no matter the cost). This desert has been used and abused long enough by the people from down below, now their going to dump their crap here as well. The people who live here continue to get the short end of the stick and is the norm have no say in the matter as usual. Remember PGE. Tom Cooper Barstow Mitzlefelt's decision will cost him votes from High Desert Recently Supervisor Miztlefelt voted to approve construction of an open air sludge plant in the vicinity of Hinkley. He took such action despite overwhelming opposition from citizens of Hinkley and surrounding communities of Barstow, Lenwood, Yermo, Grandview and Newberry. Miztlefelt and the other county supervisors were clearly aware of the long-term health and pollution concerns voiced by the protesters, yet placed the economic gains of Nursery Products sewage and sludge facility above the welfare of the people. Miztlefelt, in particular, failed to support the people in this part of his district. I believe the County Board of Supervisors decision on this matter is a mistake and that time will prove the protesting public right. The slightest increase in noxious odors, disease vectors, and respiratory disorders is going to unleash a cascade of lawsuits that will be difficult to stem. Even as I write, the tort and liability attorneys are undoubtedly preparing their strategies. Finally, I trust that Miztlefelt is not counting on the people of the communities cited about to support him at election time. For the moment Miztlefelt's vote has prevailed. However, the majority of people of this area will never support a supervisor who fails to listen to the will of the majority of the electorate. Ted Baca, Barstow