Pruitt, EPA letting down communities of Indiana
East Chicago, Indiana, faces many pressing environmental issues— none of which was addressed by EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt when he visited on his “Back2Basics” tour recently. Pruitt was supposed to visit the East Chicago Superfund site, also known as USS Lead, to see firsthand the negative health impacts from exposure to lead and arsenic— two extremely dangerous chemicals. His brief visit was a disappointment; he missed many opportunities to engage with the community, refused to talk to press and wouldn’t engage with stakeholders at the site. His visit was politically motivated and tone deaf to the real issues facing real people here in East Chicago; it underscored exactly where his priorities lie.
The former smelting facility, which ceased operations over 30 years ago, left a dangerous legacy behind. The soil in East Chicago is contaminated with toxic chemicals including arsenic and lead, and now there are concerns those chemicals have been leaching into the drinking water. We need leaders in Washington to stand up for the health of Hoosiers, but right now, Pruitt’s actions speak louder than his words.
With deep cuts to programs that oversee enforcement and air regulations we’ve depended on for generations, Indiana and federal agencies will be powerless to prevent and tackle environmental disasters and public safety crises. At a time when this community needs the Environmental Protection Agency the most, Trump’s proposed budget cuts would leave East Chicago’s nearly 30,000 residents vulnerable to continued arsenic and lead exposure. Indiana deserves a budget that puts our families and communities first. If Pruitt’s visit demonstrated anything, it’s that he is not committed, nor will his agency be adequately funded, to address the threats facing East Chicago, and communities our across our state. David-Woronecki- Ellis, Hobart, Indiana
Politicians underdressed
Ties. Everywhere we look today, we see male leaders presenting themselves officially and publicly without ties. We know that the only thing permanent is change, and that certainly applies to fashion. However, why would anyone take seriously such a public official dressed that way?
What’s next? Shirts untucked? Leon J. Hoffman, Lake View
Trump’s tax mythology
Like most folks, I’d be pleased to pay less taxes— but not at the cost of increasing our country’s horrid fiscal deficit. President Tweeter and his flunkies in Congress tell us sweeping new job creation will compensate. Anyone who believes that doubtless still believes in the tooth fairy and the magical myth of trickle- down economics. Dan McGuire, Bensenville
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