Pipeline questions remain unanswered

State Legislators are hosting various forums to address constituents’ growing concerns with the proposed Sunoco Mariner East 2/X pipelines. For the most part these have been an opportunity for Sunoco and various government entities to read their sanitized talking points which boil down to “don’t worry be happy.” If anyone gets to ask a hard question they don’t get answered.

The Aug. 29. Tele-Townhall hosted by Senator Killion and Representative Quinn was no exception. Here are a few of the hard questions that have yet to be answered:

Sunoco has one of the worst safety records in the industry based on it’s own reports to the Federal Pipeline Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (Reuters 9/23/2016). We see a growing number of contamination incidents from construction. How is this possible if all the regulations are so stringent and Sunoco exceeds them?

Just because these types of pipelines have been foisted upon our communities without our informed consent in the past why should we continue to accept more?

How will we know that this odorless, colorless, highly volatile gas is threatening our homes and we need to evacuate on foot, upwind with children, the elderly and people with disabilities?

Who really thought this was a good idea?

The truth is there is no credible safety plan and if a government agency had siting authority here as in other states this project would not be allowed to proceed within feet of homes, schools and nursing homes. Our government leaders are not hearing the legitimate concerns of their constituents and are not representing the rights of the community. Nancy Harkins West Chester

Protect grandparents

As we get ready to mark Grandparent’s Day Sept. 10, how can we reflect on helping protect older Americans?

Too many older citizens have seen their retirement security threatened because former employers sold off their pensions to insurance company

investors that convert them into annuities. Annuities lack the federal protections provided by the ERISA law and the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation. As a de-risked pensioner, this is not good and adds worries about what might happen next.

Annuities are not shielded against lawsuits and creditor and bankruptcy claims and are only loosely regulated in the 50 different states.

It’s time to fight back on behalf of the grandparents of America!

When Congress goes back to the drawing board on healthcare reform, it is essential they step up and protect the pensions and retirement security for our nation’s seniors.

The non-profit ProtectSeniors.Org, of which I am a part, has been lobbying for protection against pension de-risking issues in various state capitals as well. I urge Members of Congress to make this issue a priority so seniors have another thing to celebrate this Grandparents day.

Marion Pegg West Chester

Stop horse slaughter

Chester County has a long history of horse ownership and utilization.

There are many equestrian activities in our county.

These noble animals deserve better than being butchered for their meat.

Each year more than 100,000 horses are shipped to Canada and Mexico where they are butchered.

This unconscionable death is an insult to the service and bond these loyal companions share with us, and it is time to end this cruelty.

It is unthinkable for most Americans to consider sending our cats and dogs to slaughter, and it should be no different when it comes to our horses.

Horses help work our farms, have taught our children as well as ourselves how to ride, and thrilled us with their speed and athleticism on the track or in the show ring.

Thankfully, the Safeguard American Food Exports (SAFE) Act will stop this tragedy by banning horse slaughter in the U.S. as well as the transport abroad for slaughter.

More than 80% of Americans oppose horse slaughter, and more than 150 members of Congress support this life saving legislation.

Congressman Costello is one of those members and I hope that he will do all that he can to help pass the SAFE Act and end horse slaughter for good.

Our horses do not deserve to be treated so savagely. Steven G. Bazil

Exton