Dear Editor:
I feel there needs to be some clarification regarding your August 31, news coverage of the August 28, County Board of Supervisors meeting and ICLEI debate.
The impression given to readers, is that the opponents of ICLEI, somehow did not behave properly during the meeting. My experience that night, was different. I watched a quiet, respectful, patient group, sit for three hours, through all other items on the agenda, until they could speak at 10pm.
I witnessed the presentations of eight or more speakers of the original twelve, some of whom could not wait that long. They spoke of the ramifications of continuation on the ICLEI path and the several websites available, that offer the same tools ICLEI does, but for free, to support local environmental awareness projects. I personally think “Citizens for a Free & Clear Environment” is a good alternative name for a citizens’ group that does not accept the philosophy and goals of ICLEI, but wants to continue their work. We all want to support a healthy environment and conserve energy.
These individuals who want to discontinue membership in ICLEI, worked very hard, gave of their time, and did an admirable job providing overwhelming evidence, and much material to the board, over the past years.
The only “really really nasty tone” I witnessed, was when the Board Chairman reprimanded some in the audience, who in his words, showed “body language” and “rolled their eyes”, as the two proponents of ICLEI spoke. The second speaker, (the “world traveler”) was loud, openly rude and mocking of the opponents, but this was not seen as an issue.
I could not let this false implication of responsible citizens, doing their duty, participating in their government process in a lawful, respectful way, go unanswered.
Kathleen Hall
Roanoke