HomeMy Public PortalAbout2019.01.02 M Goldstein Community Benefit AgreementFrom:Maura Goldstein
To:Jackie Aymon
Cc:BessieJo Wagner; Anette Spickard
Subject:Community Benefit Agreement
Date:Wednesday, January 02, 2019 8:30:40 AM
Dear Jackie,
I am writing to request that you do not sign the community agreement with Midas Gold
regarding the proposed Stibnite mine. I believe this agreement is only in the interest of Midas
Gold; that its purpose is to attract investors to this project on the basis of alleged community
support for the mine. Given that the EIS has still not come out, it is far too soon for our
community to be making any move that looks like support for the mine, much less signing an
agreement that makes us look like a partner in the enterprise. Furthermore, the agreement is
not a good deal. We will not be paid off in exchange for the right to destroy part of our home
and its lifeblood.
Another concern about this project is the effect that such an enterprise would have on our
community. I see this as a boom and bust proposition and I think it would cause the challenge
and cost of living in Valley County to dramatically increase.
It is currently quite difficult for many of my peers and myself to find affordable long-term
rental housing. The population increase caused by the proposed mine would only exacerbate
this problem. We do not need jobs that exploit and deplete our natural resources nor do we
need an influx of people in Valley County.
We need planned, sustainable management and growth that is consistent with the values of
this community. We should be seeking partnerships with those who can make good on a
promise of good stewardship of our communities and our lands; Midas Gold is no such
partner.
Sincerely,
Maura Goldstein