As many of you know, lots of things have happened recently regarding the Land Exchange with Resolution. Without getting into the gory details, the bill is scheduled to be re-introduced in the House next week. Yesterday the County Board of Supervisors passed a Resolution to support Resolution Copper and the Land Exchange. About 10 of us spoke to the Board and it was apparent they were very happy to hear from us. The Town of Superior asked the County not to support Resolution. (Last month the Town voted to withdraw their “unqualified support” of the land exchange and cancel the Mutual Benefits Agreement.) The Town Manager actually told the Board of Supervisors that the reason they cancelled the agreement was in hopes they “could beg money from RCC because they needed it so badly”.
Last night, the Council called a special meeting to discuss/reject/approve a resolution expressing OPPOSITION to the Land Exchange. RCC spread the word and about 150 to 200 people showed up at the council meeting. Even the standing room was taken. Councilwoman Peralta chaired the session. They did not allow any public comments and, in fact, we were told that if we spoke out we would be given one warning and then escorted out by the police. There was no discussion and it went straight to the vote. Council passed a resolution to oppose the bill and send a delegation to Washington. This action could devastate and destroy our town entirely.
Our Congresswoman, Ann Kirkpatrick, wants to introduce the bill next week, in spite of the negative controversy. She needs our support, in a BIG way. If she can go into the committee stating that she had “so many” calls/emails it will add a lot of credibility. It will say that the people of Superior and surrounding areas do not agree with the Town Council on this issue.
If you are in support of Resolution and the Land Exchange, please take 5 minutes of your time on Friday to call her Washington office and let her know you support them. If you can squeeze out another 10 minutes please send an email to her, with the same basic message, to her website.
Please don’t set this aside. The clock is ticking very quickly and this issue is critical to the future of Superior.
Ann Kirkpatrick’s phone number is 202-225-3361 and her email is through her website: kirkpatrick.house.gov/contact. Any readers that contact her should also copy/contact Representative Paul Gosar at 202-225-2315, Paul.gosar@mail.house.gov.
/s/ Sue Anderson
Superior Chamber of Commerce