From the Indivisible Tri-Cities Newsletter:

"There's a situation developing in Erwin that deserves our attention. EnergySolutions, a company that processes low-level radioactive materials, is proposing to relocate its existing Erwin operation to a site on Second Street, much closer to downtown.
Residents have raised serious concerns about the proposed location, particularly its proximity to a Head Start preschool, nearby neighborhoods, and the businesses that are such an important part of downtown Erwin.
At a recent public forum, residents questioned whether this was an appropriate location for such a facility. Many left feeling that their concerns had been dismissed by the very people elected to represent them.
This isn't simply a question of whether EnergySolutions should remain in Unicoi County. It's a question of where this type of facility belongs, what safeguards are necessary, and whether the people who live and work nearby are being given a meaningful voice in the decision.
There may be economic benefits to keeping the company in the county, but those benefits should not prevent local officials from thoroughly examining alternatives and addressing residents' concerns about health, safety, and the future of their community.
One of our members has started a petition calling on Erwin's elected officials to relocate the proposed facility to a more appropriate location away from schools, residential neighborhoods, and downtown businesses. Petition: Relocate the Planned EnergySolutions Facility Away from Downtown Erwin You should sign if you agree.
Indivisible Tri-Cities will be watching this issue closely because we want our local leaders to be accountable to the people they are supposed to serve. Be on the lookout for additional opportunities to make our voices heard and hold Erwin's government leaders accountable to the people they represent.
One of the most important lessons we've learned is that local government decisions matter enormously, and citizens have every right to expect elected officials to listen, answer questions, and act transparently.
The people of Erwin deserve nothing less."