Kim Sigurdson’s response on racism

Since I criticized Kim Sigurdson last week for his racism comments, it’s only fair I post his response to the issue. In case you didn’t see it in The Daily News yesterday, here it is:

In our submission to the Environmental Appeal Board, we commented on some of the difficult times we and our employees have experienced with respect to what many would characterize as personal and race based slurs against us and our families.  
As an example, an excerpt of this type of hateful mail was recently published in your paper and I think you would agree that it could be difficult and frightening to be the recipient of such messages.  The writer attempted to portray himself as a concerned citizen, an environmentalist as opposed to the more obvious racist label.  In that regard, our comments to the EAB were directed at him and the minority of others who walk down this dark road that relies on fear instead of dialogue.
With that as background, I did want to take this opportunity to clear the air with regards to my comments in the letter to the Environmental Appeal Board.  At no time was it meant to include all those who have opposed our proposed gasification facility.  Thoughtful, informed and reasoned debate and opposition form the basis of our democratic process and my comments were directed only at those few who chose fear and hate as their solution to this issue.
Kim Sigurdson
President