The Nexus of Out-of-State-Trash and Jerry Kilgore

In recent years, many Virginians have been concerned about the increases in imported trash from other states. Ever wonder who's (at least partly) responsible for the influx? Hint: He's the GOP candidate for governor, former AG, Jerry Kilgore. In its Oct. 20th, 2005 issue, Rolling Stone reports (this isn't available online, so I had to track down a hard copy of the article), that Jerry Kilgore turned a blind eye as Marvin Bush, younger brother of Pres. George W. Bush, tried to make Virginia the No. 1 depository of out-of-state garbage.

In 2001, the article reports, Marvin Bush co-founded Winston Partners, an investment firm. The company paid $12.3 million to buy Tellurian, Inc., created for the dumping trash in rural Paige County, VA. Inspectors were apparently told to stand down so as not to irritate Marvin. Meanwhile, Kilgore refused to enforce Virginia law as Marvin's renamed company, now called National Waste Services of Virginia (NHS), dumped as many as 6,500 tons of waste per day, while its permit allowed no more than 250 tons per day.

Every single day the firm exceeded its permit is a misdemeanor, punishable by a year in prison and $2,500. But Jerry would not enforce the law. In 2003, Tim Kaine blew the whistle on Kilgore's negligence, and less-than-half-hearted effort by the AG began. Kilgore, candidate for Virginia governor and the state chair of the campaign to reelect George W. Bush (2004), delayed and delayed.

The dump was finally ordered to shut down in March 2004, but not until Marvin's firm had declared bankruptcy and the taxpayers of Virginia were left holding the bag. The cost of cleanup ($8.5 million dollars). And the continued movement toward making Virginia the No. 1 depository of out-of-state-trash is not good news either.

It's one more reason why Jerry Kilgore can't be trusted with the governorship of Virginia. Jerry doesn't think of Virginians first. That's the least a governor should do.

Note:This story was referenced on the Daily Kos two weeks ago, but I wanted to see the article for myself before I wrote about it.