Opinion Page THE BRUNSWICK j| BEACON IMw.ml M. S\Vf.?tI and Carolyn H. Sweat! I\iblisliers Edward M. Sweat t Editor Susan Usher JVetes Editor Doug Kutter and Terrs' Pope SltiJ/ Writers Johnny errata S/*>rts Editor Peggy Earwood OJficv Manager Carolyn H. Swcatt Advertising Director i'lmberlev Adams & Cecelia Gore Advertising Represettlutives lammlc Galloway ft Dorothy Brennan Ti//>rs<-tiers William Manning fiessmun Uremia Clemtnons Photo Technician Umnie Sprinkle Assistant Pressnuui Phoebe Clemmons and Frances Sweatt Circulation PAGE ?! A THURSDAY NOVEMPER ?9 1990 Judge's Bridge Ruling Doesn't End The Fight Both sides make good points in what they have to say about the proposed new high-rise bridge to Sunset Beach. It you weigh the arguments of each side, it's not really a debate over who's right and who's wrong, it's a battle ovei whose view of growth, tourism, pollution, traffic, development, environment and public safety should hold sway in the end. It's a battle over change, over one's definition of "progress." The bridge is just a symbol reflecting the larger issues fac ing any barrier island now under development. You can't argue that increased tourism is either right or w rong. There are bene fits and liabilities associated Kith with construction of a new 65 toot clearance fixed span bridge and with keeping the exist ing floating barge bridge as the island's only access to the main land. Judge W. Karl Britt ruled in U.S. District Court last week to halt construction of a new bridge until the Department of Transportation prepares an environmental impact statement re garding the project's anticipated effect on endangered plants, animals and the human environment. In one sense. Judge Britt couldn't have ruled any differently because the state simply had not done all its homework before launching this project. It wasn't a ruling declaring a winner or loser, however, the battle isn't over and Sunset Beach is still a community divided. Britt's ruling should not have surprised parties on either side of the issue. It is reasonable to require that the state follow its own environmental protection laws. Everyone had his day in court, but the state's arguments were weak and lacking in substance, almost as if officials some how knew they would be spanked and told to start over again, and to do it right this time. It is doubtful the state will appeal Britt's ruling. It is also doubtful, given its current investment and the divided opinions of island property ow ners that the state will give up so easily its plans for a new access to Sunset Beach. One thing is certain: If. and more likely when, a third public hearing is held on a Sunset Beach project, there should be more substantial information for the public to consider for comments, in terms of both impact and alternatives. There won't be any railroading, no "it's good for you, so take it and stop asking stupid questions." The Sunset Beach Taxpayers Association has been criti cized for suing the state in an attempt to block construction of the bridge. The delays caused by the SBTA lawsuit may, ironi cally enough, cost "taxpayers" millions of dollars if a new bridge is allowed to be built later. The total pricetag for the bridge has already doubled since it was first proposed more than 10 years ago, to an estimated SI 1.1 million. With addition al delays and inflation the figure is sure to rise even further. The SBTA argues that a new bridge will be too costly, and that it will encourage denser development on a fragile barrier is land. threaten the loggerhead sea turtles, plovers and wood storks and spoil the island's family-oriented atmosphere. Proponents of the new bridge say a new bndge is a practical necessity, essential for the safety of island residents, improved vehicular access to handle anticipated growth, provision of ade quate services to island residents and the unimpeded flow of recreational and commercial boating traffic on the Intracoastal Waterway. So what do you do when both sides are right? You make sure that every angle has been thoroughly ex plored before the concrete trucks are allowed to start bullying their way down the causeway at Sunset Beach. You make sure that the state stops assuming it knows what is best for residents. You make sure that the state and federal environmental laws have been followed. You make sure every alternative is consid ered. If the full environmental impact statement is prepared the way it ought to be. resident and non resident property owners will he able to evaluate not only the probable impact of some type of new access to the island, but that of the existing span should the state choose to keep it. Judge Britt's ruling last week causes, at the very least, a de lay in construction. For that you can thank -or blame?both sides who thought they were right. Bridge $$$ Available Meanwhile, the N.C. Department of Transportation has a piggy bank of funds set aside for completion of a new Sunset Beach Bridge that won't foe needed tor at least a year or longer. Why not take those funds and put them to use on a bridge projcct thai hasn't drawn objections from any quarter? Plan?- lo build a second bridge linking Oak Island to the mainland are be ing pushed back a year because of the state's budget shortfall; this is a good chance to get that project on or ahead of schedule. Oak Island, with its three beach communities, is the longest and most heavily populated of Brunswick County's barrier is lands. Its residents and visitors can legitimately claim the need of a second route to and from the mainland. The only existing exit from the island takes motorists past CP&L's Brunswick Nuclear Plant. The odds of a nuclear acci dent at the plant are slim indeed, but an evacuation route that brings individuals closer to the plant offers little reassurance in the face of a possible disaster. Beasley, Ludlum Played A Fair Final Game It could have been worse. With the last regular meeting for this Brunswick County Board of Commissioners now history, that's the feeling I get deep down inside. 7~0rrV There were a few surprises last ' Monday night but nothing that can't POD0 he handled. The new board of com missioners will take over next week with two new faces. Donald Shaw of Leland and Jerry Jones of ^ Shallotte will replacc Grace Beasley six recycling stations scattered and Benny Ludlum. Did this old throughout the county. board go out with a bang? Was it a good move? I think so, I don't think you could call it a although that still leaves Bush deal bang. In fact, I think both Ms. ing with the county on just a hand Ucasley and Ludlum played a fair shake agreement to provide recy linal game. They didn't try to run cling trailers at the six sites for a the score up for either side, but in S2(M) fee each time a full trailer has stead they made some sound deci- to be moved, which is roughly sions affecting county residents in about once a month. Ms. Beasley their last tune at bat (barring a spe- had wanted to avoid entering into a cial meeting between now and contract with Waste Industries of Monday night). Wilmington which would provide Ms Beasley threw the first curve permanent recycling stations for ball when she jumped all over the S426 per month each, a waste of recycling issue while commission- county money, she said, plus the er* were discussing board appoint- deal was coming right in the middle ments. She wanted the county to oi a fiscal year. keep paying Bush's Recycling ol 'Ilie motion that passed 4-1 was to Florence, SC.. to ensure that the keep paying Bush until the end ol proverbial rug won't be pulled out June 1991. 'Unit would allow the lmni under the volunteers' feet at new board a chance to study the re cycling issue beloie then and to he was looking for a walk. He told make its own decision on how 10 get the board he lelt uncomfortable vot towns and volunteers working to- ing on the issue when it was his last gether under one program. In a way, meeting. I'd give Ludlum a point Ms. Beasley played fairly in looking anyway for stating his opinion and out for the interests of the volunteers sticking to his guns, although he who attended the meeting. Those wasn't shy about nominating volunteers asked if the subject was Eugene Tonilinson for the Dos her going to be discussed when they Memorial Hospital Board of saw it wasn't on the agenda. Trustees under that same discussion "It's not on the agenda, but on hoard appointments. whether it will he discussed tonight Both Beasley and Ludlum ac I can't say," responded Chairman cepted a move by Commissioner Gene Pinkerton, with just a hint ol Kelly Holdcn to have other appoint what was to follow. mcnts put on hold until the new The bail part about the recycling board takes office. There arc five vote is that there is still no contract seats open on the Brunswick with Bush. 'I"he county is really un Hospital Board of Trustees. Seven protected should Bush decide to members to the Brunswick County suddenly pull out of Brunswick Keep America Beautiful Board County, not that it's likely to hap were appointed last week, the only pen. Will Bush be the guy the new question concerned nominee Bill board relies on after June 1991? Turner, assistant superintendent of Remember, the state has mandated Brunswick County Schools. that all counties must have a recy Why? Because he's not a perma cling program in place before July nent resident of Brunswick County, 1, 1991 The new board must find a bin he is the guy the schools submit way to replace a handshake agree- led for joining the board. All seven nicnt with a legal and binding con- members added to thai board arc yact in six months. well qualified. It was another sound Ludlum voted against the motion, decision made in the final game, not to stir up any trouble but be- So it wasn't a bang; it was more cause it was his last time at bat and like a sigh of relief. When the Mideast Oils is qas pv^'ce^> yo.se. \M^e.d!m quietens. Ed crumbles A Name Is That? a saltine crackcr on the floor in "Last week I saw him in front of front of us, steps to the door and the door," Ed says. "When I open it looks outside. he doesn't leave. 1 start feeding him, "Watch this," he says, still eyeing at first just inside the door." the door anxiously as he returns to In a very short time?about a the comer. "Paul! Come here, week?Ed trains Paul to come all Paul!" the way across the room for snacks. Who the heck is Paul? 1 wonder. Paul. What kind of name is that There's no one to be seen. for a gull? A shadow falls across the patch "His nature and disposition are of sunlight, followed by two legs. that of someone who ought to be It's Paul Perkins. named Paul Perkins," Ed says, with A straggly, overweight gull of out further explanation. Paul could some kind appears, mostly white be a girl, he admits, but he doesn't with darker feathers in the tail area, think so. After a brief safety check, he makes Paul settles in a roosting position a beeline for the cracker crumbs. at the door sill, one eye on us and It's obvious Paul knows the rou- another on some gulls on the pier, tine. But he pulls up short at the He's not your usual pier gull. sight of a stranger and heads back to He stirs, scoots across the floor the door. for a quick snack, gives me the evil Ed says he's been feeding the eye and darts out again. It's obvious gullsonthepieroulsidcthcshop.lt strangers make him nervous. He was only natural that at least one wants me out of there. I oblige, should get curious about life on the Paul Perkins. The name's perfect, oilier side of the door. Ed. Manley Should Be Banned For Life The National Football League has goofed again. Dexter Manley, who tested posi tive for illegal drug use thr." times while playing lor the Washington LJOUCJ Redskins, has been allowed to re- - turn to the playing field after being i\UTTGr banned from the league just one year ago. What a joke. This guy should not ne allowed to piay pro football cvei al|()l,K.r chancc to clcan up his ac, again. It s an insult to the great ath- jjy allowing Manley to return to etcs in the NFL who lead drug-free ^ grj(|jron t|,c npi_ js giving an lifcstylcs, and it s an insult to the ()1|,cr chance to someone who ,ans- doesn't deserve it. If you ask me, NFL Commissioner Paul Taglia- Dexter Manley has used up all of hue apparently believes that every- his chances. It's three strikes and body deserves a chance to make up you're out where I come from, for past mistakes. I hat s a gtxxl More importantly, the NFL is concept, Paul, but it doesn't apply telling thousands of youngsters who in this particular case. kx>k at pro athletes as heroes that Dexter was given another chance it's OK to use drugs if you promise after the lirst time he tested positive not to use them again Whether you lor drugs. And when he fouled up keep your promises or not isn't im thc second time, he was given yet |K>riant. 1 wrote a column a few weeks professional alhlctic teams for that back saying 1 opposed drug testing, matter?don't turn their backs on 1 stand behind those words. But in a good players just because they're large organization such as the NFL not model citizens. which has adopted an anu-drag pol- M was fcr()tinus ? lo .cy, .1 has to be enforced to be effec_ ^ ^ lhc ..Manslcr>. durin| hjs uve. If you re not going to punish car,jcr (Ja whcn hc was pr<) players who use drugs, why test R()w, p,aycr Am, ^ ^ c,n a ' that at least five teams are interested Manley's old team, the Redskins, in lapping into that animal instinct. ? IUf V UIIVUUI .HI iu IIIV T UV'II I Willi* p ? . . I' 1 . - ? ? ? , /, l % I in going lo go out on a limb him back on the roster. Coach Joe ^. .? . . u i r... ? a . here and predict that Dexter Manley Gibbs said hc docsn t need any , ... . ? . . . . ? . / i r io iKn Wl" picked up by sometxxly be more defensive ends, which .s .he |()fC thc'NR ? yj ()vcr ,nyf posit.on Manley played. hc m;|y alfCa(,y havc hy lh(. More likely, however, Gibbs and time this commentary is published, the Redskins organization don't Hc won't be playing with the Red want someone in their lineup who skins, but I wouldn't rule out any has tested positive for illegal drugs other teams on three different occasions. It And one more prediction. Dexter might tarnish the otherwise squeaky will never star again as a f(X>lball clean reputation of our nation's cap- player. Hc will never be quite as ?Lai, if you catch my drift. gixnl as hc used lo be. But he will IX'xlcr shouldn't be loo worried, make a fortune from his yct-to be though. l*ro looiball teams?or any written autobiography.