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!<A{x2iy. ( hats
becaus^ 9<xs pn'ces fnve -tu vefe^
What'-S cjoifv-i on in bhe mad?t.J;
\ bigouT^?
HH" s o connpl iccrhsc) p/ocesi.
Voo just wouldirrt u^^^oc).;/
' ^
My
w
Mow oil prices are dropping. Botr
<305 prices won't/ 90 down for
<Sc)rO?. "t l fY\e. (. .S (oex_<3<J^C, "(j^\?^se
thirds have "60 work t/heiV way
-fchrou^h ttae " 1
v Tin's has nothing to do with
price 90091'ng. Noihin^ at all.
Trust usl*
5/
3/rRBaiR
OHIO
C/iRoUNACARTOoTis
So What Kind Of
You've seen the pictures?beach
goers with hands extended, bearing
offerings for the seagulls circling
overhead.
At the Sunset Beach Fishing Pier SuSOtl
the other day sunshine was plentiful
and fish were scarce; an armada of L/s/lGT
jellyfish was coming through. I was
experimenting with a new camera,
taking pictures of this one particular
gull, when Ed Kayler comes over.
"Come in here, there's some- Batteries and tackle line the rear
thing I want you to sec," he says, wall. "Have a seat," he says. 1 lake
motioning inside the shop. You the slatted wooden chair with the
know, the place where fishermen jacket Hung over the back. Ed lakes
and iheir companions hang their tro- die odier one.
phy pictures and buy such neccssi- Buzzes, clicks and even stranger
lies as tickets, bait and popcorn. Ed noises come from the nearby arcade
waves toward die comer near the area. Surely it's not Thanksgiving
microwave. week already. What am I supposed
Looking around 1 halfway expect to sec?
to sec a mounted king mackerel or Through the shop door a V of
some other souvenir of Kayler's bright sunlight pours in, followed
lirsi pier season, which is starting to by a couple ol vacationing young
wind down. A couple of cases of sters in swimsuils.
beer arc stacked on the floor. The r<x>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.