Andre is not only a resident of the district, but he is a newly appointed member of the Commerce Planning Commission - he is a great young citizen of enormous potential. Andre was persistent, accurate, professional in his contacts, pressed the case and refused to give up. His leadership and caring about others in his neighborhood as thousands of gallons of dangerous raw sewage poured into Pittman Creek near houses and churches as officials fumbled should be a source of pride for all those in Northeast Commerce, aka "Johntown" and it should give them encouragement that effective, positive civic action can make a difference.
Andre's work should also be an example to all of us that we need "all hands on deck" participating, if we are to make the place where we live better.
Andre advised that he first discovered this spillage March 7, advised the city, took a worker to the site on his four-wheeler and took pictures as two manholes were leaking. He advised that corrective work commenced the following Tuesday, with the application of dirt and lime. Why what appeared to be a large sewage spillage was downplayed as something of no concern in this area, should be of deep concern to all of us.
I am also very proud of Mayor Pro Tem Keith Burchett, which considered it a part of his sworn mandate to answer a citizen's call, visit and check out the situation and forcefully supported corrective action. This is an example of elective leadership with determination and a focused will to serve his constituents. For too long, some choose to represent with photo ops and little else and of course the constituents share some responsibility. Keith, thanks for your leadership also.
Somehow it is apparent that the Commerce city operational structure took too long to acknowledge the seriousness of the spillage to public health and to the environment and thus making the proper prompt reporting to the State EPD (over 20 days is not prompt). One has to wonder is this the standard response time, had a major sewage spill occurred on Broad Street or Dogwood Trail. Had it not been for Andre Rollins, it might never have reached the press or Mayor Pro Tem Burchett. Any logical citizen would conclude that this disconnect is cause for real concern.
Again, thank you Andre, Mayor Pro Tem Burchett and Eric Gaitheright for your great community service and giving us a source of pride and a sign of progress.
Jim Scott
Commerce
