The Ballroom
SOS Alliance Parsing Words, Twisting Facts
RECEIVED Wed., July 13, 2005
Dear Editor,
I am amused at Mr. Bunch's byline stating “Bill Bunch Sets the Record Straight” regarding AMD's move to Oak Hill [“Postmarks,” July 1]. Once again, Mr. Bunch and the Save Our Springs Alliance are parsing words and twisting facts.
Mr. Bunch accuses AMD of bad faith in ignoring their own pledge to cooperate with local stakeholders on major decisions. In fact, AMD has been talking to the folks who live and work in Oak Hill and Southwest Austin for months; asking questions and listening to answers. Over 100,000 people living in Oak Hill have needs, wants, and opinions. These residents have a significant stake in the community and protecting the environment too. I don't know how much more “local” and “stakeholder” that can be.
Surely Mr. Bunch is not arguing that SOSA are the only ones that care about the environment.
Mr. Bunch accuses AMD of false claims in stating compliance with the SOS ordinance. They have not said that. AMD has simply stated that it will meet the SOS water quality standards and in the process, improve water quality in areas that are not currently treated.
Mr. Bunch laments that their “broad coalition” in opposition is narrowed to SOSA. Could it be that the writer and the editors at the Chronicle realize (as most do) that the organizations mentioned are but extensions of SOSA?
Mr. Bunch claims Mayor Wynn kept the proposed move a secret and failed to enlist community support in finding AMD a better place. Secrets? SOS had information related to the AMD move on their Web site at least a month before the community at large knew about it. The Oak Hill community has been enlisted, and does support the move. The real beneficiaries of this move are the community in Oak Hill.
Mr. Bunch correctly states that this is a turning point during which the community must lead and others will follow. Oak Hill and Southwest Austin are leading, Mr. Bunch. Maybe it is time for you to work with them and not against.
I am amused at Mr. Bunch's byline stating “Bill Bunch Sets the Record Straight” regarding AMD's move to Oak Hill [“Postmarks,” July 1]. Once again, Mr. Bunch and the Save Our Springs Alliance are parsing words and twisting facts.
Mr. Bunch accuses AMD of bad faith in ignoring their own pledge to cooperate with local stakeholders on major decisions. In fact, AMD has been talking to the folks who live and work in Oak Hill and Southwest Austin for months; asking questions and listening to answers. Over 100,000 people living in Oak Hill have needs, wants, and opinions. These residents have a significant stake in the community and protecting the environment too. I don't know how much more “local” and “stakeholder” that can be.
Surely Mr. Bunch is not arguing that SOSA are the only ones that care about the environment.
Mr. Bunch accuses AMD of false claims in stating compliance with the SOS ordinance. They have not said that. AMD has simply stated that it will meet the SOS water quality standards and in the process, improve water quality in areas that are not currently treated.
Mr. Bunch laments that their “broad coalition” in opposition is narrowed to SOSA. Could it be that the writer and the editors at the Chronicle realize (as most do) that the organizations mentioned are but extensions of SOSA?
Mr. Bunch claims Mayor Wynn kept the proposed move a secret and failed to enlist community support in finding AMD a better place. Secrets? SOS had information related to the AMD move on their Web site at least a month before the community at large knew about it. The Oak Hill community has been enlisted, and does support the move. The real beneficiaries of this move are the community in Oak Hill.
Mr. Bunch correctly states that this is a turning point during which the community must lead and others will follow. Oak Hill and Southwest Austin are leading, Mr. Bunch. Maybe it is time for you to work with them and not against.
Sincerely,
Kathryn Moynahan
Kathryn Moynahan
