Walter,
On behalf of all of us in Big Flats who care deeply about our town, our environment, and the health of our neighbors, thank you for your extraordinary leadership, expertise, and unwavering support of the Big Flats Defenders campaign. Your work has not only elevated our cause, it has empowered our community.
When I came to you, I was just a concerned resident with no background in environmental science or advocacy. I only knew that something was terribly wrong and our town was affected by a legacy of pollution. The local, state, and federal agencies meant to protect us were completely dismissive. You didn’t hesitate. You stepped in with expertise, purpose, and the ability to turn our concerns into action.
Because of you, we now have a movement. You made complex science understandable, helped us navigate the political landscape, and built a media strategy that pushed our story into the spotlight—with three front-page stories, local TV features, and coverage on NPR. What began as local frustration is now a growing campaign fueled by facts, visibility, and real momentum. We’re not stopping!
Your support didn’t just shape a campaign, but gave a voice to a community that had been dismissed for decades. Families like mine, still living in the shadow of a toxic site, are finally being seen and heard. I’ve watched my mother battle Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and neighbor after neighbor die of cancer on the street where I grew up. And now, the idea of building senior housing on that polluted site, just up the road, isn’t only negligent, it’s unconscionable. With your support and guidance, we no longer feel helpless or hopeless. We are demanding transparency, accountability, and action. We are fighting for a comprehensive investigation and remediation because public health and a safe environment are not negotiable.
You are making a profound difference. I hope that the Big Flats Defenders will stand as a beacon of what can be achieved when technical expertise and civic passion come together. Your work is an investment in the future of Big Flats and a proven, replicable model of democratic action that delivers results.
While I remain hopeful that we will win this fight, you have already given me something invaluable: the tools and confidence to lead, to stand up, and to fight for public health and a safe environment in my community.
With deep gratitude and respect,
Shannon KeachBig Flats Defenders, Coordinator