Second Citizen Organization forms
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Second Citizen Organization forms
By Shane Gilreath
With Cumberland Clear officially formed and hosting public meetings – they’ll form committees in a meeting on July 28th – a second organization has sprung to life to oppose the second proposed landfill. That group – a grassroots project called the Transparent Bridge Initiative – is composed of members who have long sat in opposition to the proposal and have publicly advocated transparency from other organizations and government bodies during the process.
“This is a big issue, and a lot of people are angry, scared or have little trust,” one of its organizers, Cody Cox told SCN. As it currently stands, the faces of the initiative are Cox and Lisa Wojcik, familiar faces who have repeatedly appeared at various meetings and community assemblages as citizens continue to rally in resistance.
“The mission of this grassroots initiative is to bridge communities affected by environmental injustice and governmental injustice,”Cox told SCN, “and to promote and advocate for transparent water, air, government and organizational action pertaining to all matters of public concern that adversely impacts the citizens.”
While the Transparent Bridge Initiative has yet to organize officers, Wojcik told SCN that those nominations and selections will invite public support and participation, in keeping with the organization’s mission.
“Very soon, we intend to present an organizational constitution to the citizens of this community,” Cox said. “The constitution will outline the leadership roles and provide the requirements and process for electing candidates to those offices.”
Transparent Bridge say a website is in the works and they are currently researching non-profit filings, hoping in the immediacy to rely on anti-SLAPP laws in Tennessee and Kentucky, which afford public participation.
“We want to encourage communities to participate, speak out or express their concerns,” Cox, who has a unique perspective, expressed. “I grew up in McCreary County and now live in Scott County. I hold both communities near and dear to my heart. Both counties should have their voice heard regarding the risks associated with the insidious plan for a second landfill and a rail transfer station.”
Transparent Bridge’s message to landfill organizers seem clear. “This is not a done deal,” Cox says. “The fight is only beginning. We need to let those behind this plan know that everyone else’s trash is not our problem.”
While the fight rages, Transparent Bridge hopes to continue to keep Scott and McCreary County citizens informed on matters that directly impact them, having already spent countless hours meeting with officials and working toward that effort.
“Lisa and I are excited to collaborate with fellow citizens in preserving the communities involved,” Cox said.
