We need the Waste Management project

Dear Editor:

What's wrong with recycling? The only thing I read from the "anti- Waste Management" crowd is that they are against a "garbage dump." Waste Management is not proposing a dump for Cherokee County. Waste Management is proposing 3Cycle, a high-tech, innovative approach to managing waste, which will be the first of its kind in the state.

The landfill portion of 3Cycle will only be a small part considering that much of the waste brought to the center will be recycled and reused. The 3Cycle proposal also includes dedicating 1,100 acres of the property for a wildlife habitat, wetlands, eco-learning center and buffer area.

Many businesses are following the national trend and going green. Therefore they will be drawn to Cherokee County because they will want to take advantage of the green recycling approach that 3Cycle offers. More businesses locating in Cherokee County means more jobs for Cherokee residents. Jobs are something that we greatly need as our county unemployment rates continue to climb. Our unemployment rate is almost 10 percent, which means Cherokee County has the highest jobless rate by over 2 percent of any county on the I-85 corridor.

Income to the county from 3Cycle means millions of dollars annually which can help offset the future need for tax increases. Our state and county as well as our local communities are experiencing critical economic times with many of our citizens out of work.

Cherokee County has failed to keep pace with the business growth and economic development of other counties along the I-85 corridor. The 2000 Census shows that Cherokee County has the lowest per capita income and lowest median family income, compared to Greenville, Spartanburg and Anderson counties.

Any offer from a company to invest $150 MILLION should be a positive for our community and should be taken seriously. We need jobs for our citizens! Unless our leaders work to bring new industry to Cherokee County our tax base will decrease, and our citizens will be required to pay higher taxes. I hope our leaders will do their due diligence to find out the FACTS because they have the authority as well as the responsibility to make a serious business decision.

I strongly urge County Council to vote using their intellect and not to base their decision on emotions of rumor, hearsay, gossip or fear. Let's hope they show their leadership! Sincerely, Don Bridges Gaffney, S.C.