It smells bad

As a resident of Pelham, I am writing in response to the statements that the Killen Town Council made to its citizens in an attempt to gain a sewer system.

Apparently, after the council was "questionable" in its tactics, the mayor and members of the council told its angered citizens that they were going to model the proposed sewer system after Pelham's. Pelham's sewer system is "state of the art" and "does not smell bad," were direct quotes from the mayor, Jerry Mitchell.

I've lived here for about 10 years, and I live near that sewer system. The sewer facility does smell bad. When it is really hot outside, it smells even worse. It is what it is - a sewer.

I lived in Florence years ago and remember driving by the Muscle Shoals treatment facility. Sometimes, I would hold my breath till I passed it, thinking, how in the world do these people stand living next to this? Well, this one is no different, not even a little. I don't care how "state of the art" Mr. Mitchell claims it to be.

Shame on you, Mr. Mitchell. You are supposed to represent the citizens in a positive way. Shame on the town council for being a door mat. Only two of you even visited Pelham. That does not reflect well on you.

Does Killen need a sewer system for growth? Absolutely. Should the council members have discussed the proposed site with its citizens? Absolutely. Are there other options besides Bluewater Creek? You bet there are.

I would certainly question the credibility of a person who would say that a sewage treatment facility doesn't smell bad, and a council that would sit back and nod their heads in agreement without ever visiting the facility.

Shari Kellogg

Pelham