Rose Tree Media faulted for pipeline easement deal

To the Times: Many of you are aware that Sunoco Logistics is installing the Mariner East II Pipeline in Middletown Township. The pipeline has the potential to severely affect the health and welfare of our children, specifically those in and near Glenwood Elementary School. The hazardous liquids pipeline will be located 650 feet from the elementary school.

The current Rose Tree Media School Board granted Sunoco an easement for the pipeline on a road in close proximity to Glenwood Elementary. In exchange for this easement, the school board received $50,000.

I earned a Ph.D. in history from Rutgers University and teach at the college level. As an educator and historian I know the importance of facts and understanding the context of actions and events. If we examine the facts we will see that the school board initially failed to consult the community and investigate the impact and potential danger to our children, our schools and our community when they signed off on this proposed pipeline.

Not adequately informing or consulting the RTMSD COMMUNITY has been an issue with this school board. For years the actions and decisions of the school board have demonstrated a lack of transparency and accountability. For this reason alone I am committed to running for the School Board one more time.

The Middletown Coalition for Community Safety recently commissioned a report to assess the risk the pipeline poses to the community. This study sought to fully inform the public concerning the public safety risk from the Mariner East II. The results of this study are alarming. That such a study was done at the behest of the community and not by the Rose Tree Media School Board is equally alarming.

It was only after public outcries from parents and community members who confronted the board did they pass a resolution that expressed “great concern” over the construction of the pipeline.

Why did it take the public highlighting the dangers and risks our children would face for the school board to express concern? Where was the concern, the interest in examining the pipeline risks when Sunoco first presented this proposal to them? Why didn’t the school board call for public input immediately? Why didn’t they demand a safety plan be drawn up?

I can’t answer for the current school board members, but I can assure RTM parents and members of the communities that make up our school district that I will do the research. I will find out all the details before making any decision on any and all issues, large or small that come before the school board.

I will ask questions, search for answers and share everything I glean with all my fellow board members – especially when the safety of our children is involved. I will be the advocate of every child and parent. Vote for Change in May 16 primary election!

“It was only after public outcries from parents and community members who confronted the board did they pass a resolution that expressed ‘great concern’ over the construction of the pipeline.” — Theresa Napson-Williams