The Executive Committee of Save Lake Peigneur Inc. board of directors proudly supports Rep. Fred Mills for District 22 state senator.

I have spoken directly to Rep. Mills, who has committed himself to supporting us in our efforts to stop the salt cavern storage expansion. Although he understands that Gov. Bobby Jindal has not helped us, he believes in standing by his constituents. He supported us when we were fighting for our bills in Baton Rouge. Rep. Mills has supported us in the past, and will support us in the future.

The voting record of St. Martin Parish constituents clearly shows their approval of his skills.     

The Daily Iberian quoted Rep. Simone Champagne (Jan. 5, 2011), “It is time politicians remember who they are working for — you.” She is correct. Politicians should recall who votes them into office and who they work for. The following reasons express why we do not support Rep. Champagne.  

Although she attended several of our meetings and was very accessible prior to becoming our state representative, in the three years since her election Rep. Champagne has attended only one meeting, a public meeting. Three times when we truly needed her presence, she did not come, nor did she respond to our messages.

One of the most critical meetings for our issue was the final Mineral Board meeting. Rep. Champagne, only two blocks away, did not attend although other elected officials were present.     

Rep. Champagne was asked to participate in a photo op in support of SLP Inc. but she declined the request because she did not want to be photographed in any subject that was considered “controversial.”     

Rep. Champagne did not merely sit on a fence but took a step further against us; she was directly instrumental in discrediting our research. As in all controversies there are two sides to a story. Some geologists state their research indicates natural gas drilling and storage is completely safe, and other geologists state the contrary.

We have seen numerous natural gas explosions, subsidence, and contamination of drinking and surface water; those are facts. No one can predict that our area is immune from any of these catastrophes.

Rep. Champagne did not support the efforts to stop the expansion of the waste disposal near the airport. Her decision on the wastewater removal cost taxpayers $1.5 million.

An official who overlooks the magnitude of risk to health and life of his/her constituents does not represent the constituents. Actions speak louder than words; Rep. Champagne’s actions have shown  she does not support the endeavors of SLP Inc.

District 22 needs a strong senator who has experience and is not afraid to take a stand in a “controversial” issue, especially when peoples’ lives and safety are at stake.     

Save Lake Peigneur Inc. supports Rep. Fred Mills.

Nara Crowley

President

Save Lake Peigneur Inc.