What agenda is allowing Pike Township landfill to grow?
CANTON TOWNSHIP - Our elected officials were elected to serve the greater community, but do some have other, questionable agendas?
Being a local farmer, I enjoy moments of solitude, allowing me to reflect on various topics. Recently my thoughts centered on our sociopolitical structure. Why would a farmer’s mind drift to such a complex issue? Here on the farm, the air is normally fresh and clean; however, this day, the pungent odor of the Pike Township landfill some 10 miles away forced me to take notice.
The state, county officials and Ohio EPA have allowed this landfill to grow unabated until it has polluted the soil and air for miles. Why?
My thoughts turn to a recent Repository article stating the EPA threatened a family-owned golf course with a $300,000 fine for not complying with safety guidelines. According to reliable sources, this business’ water supply has had no negative report from the health department. Why would EPA focus so much attention on a small business that has had no problems for 50 years, yet allow a landfill to become a health concern and public nuisance for all of southern Stark County?
The leaders of Canton have engaged in an ambitious plan to annex land to the city in hopes of economic gains. This family farm could be a plum for the city if annexed. Do you suppose these two political entities have an agenda not clearly seen by this local citizen, taxpayers and voter?
Again my thoughts shift to a humorous possibility. The city has used the state and federal highway right-of-way to legitimize the contiguous configuration to annex land. Therefore, as the city’s goal of land grabbing as a revenue source continues, why not look south? Interstate 77 provide the contiguous link allowing the city to annex the Pike Township landfill.
HAROLD E. MCMILLEN,
CANTON TOWNSHIP
