By Ed Marroni

The decisions and choices we make have consequences that are important to consider.

For example, take the 71 year uranium mining ban that our General Assembly will be addressing in the winter session. Some of the more positive presumed consequences for removing the ban include:

• Huge profits for a well-to-do company that is pouring hundreds of thousands of dollars into this campaign
• An improved economy for the region
• Some increase in jobs (which likely will not be permanent).

Some longer term consequences are most likely:

• Virginia taxpayers would be responsible for cleaning up the area after the operation ceases
• Health probblems for the residents
• Decrease in property values
• Risk of contamination of Tidewater’s drinkable water. 

These and other consequences may be considered on August 28 when the Governor’s work study group will hold a townhall meeting at the Virginia Beach Convention Center on 19th St. from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

There are NO uranium mines east of the Mississippi River simply because the weather conditions are not favorable. Since 1972 there have been 12 hurricanes, one damaging earthquake (and several other minor earthquakes) and many severe storms with heavy rain downfall. We the citizens of Tidewater especially (but not only, because once the ban is llifted other mines up and down Virginia will open) need to support our city councils’ decision to oppose the removal of the ban. We need to join other localities to demonstrate our position!

Come out on August 28th to show the work study group we do not favor the ban being lifted.