E-Mail
Print
The Bee article Sunday on the heath hazard in West Fresno has significant implications for the way Fresno is viewed around the nation and beyond. If not a moral imperative, our self-interest should motivate dealing with this at the highest levels. In traveling around the country on business, it is not uncommon to encounter well-educated professionals and business leaders who think Fresno is a suburb of Los Angeles or San Francisco. Perhaps this is a symptom of our geographically challenged nation. Whatever the case, the idea of environmentally based "health hazards" will not be confined to West Fresno.
Those same elected officials and business interests that contend the San Joaquin Valley is poised for growth need to tackle this like a burning house. Whether true or not, a maligned reputation takes a mighty effort to overcome. Civic groups and religious organizations also need to put this on their agenda and be the voice of those who cannot speak for themselves. As great leaders know, a house divided will not stand for long.
Yolanda Partida
Fresno
