Wilmington has Titan Cement, so forget Apple Computer

This is an interesting editorial in The Star News. Certainly gives a different perspective on the Titan Cement controversy.

Wilmington has Titan Cement, so forget Apple Computer (No, this is one of two with exact wording -- letter campaign, not a real LTE)

Published: Thursday, June 4, 2009 at 11:25 a.m. Last Modified: Thursday, June 4, 2009 at 11:25 a.m.

Wilmington has lost again in its attempts to be a leader in economic growth and clean industry. On June 3, national headlines confirmed that Apple, Inc., the computer pioneer is building a data center in North Carolina. This is a huge win for our state, but not for Wilmington, because this state-of-the-art data center is not being built here.

Rather than inviting an internationally renowned, environmentally friendly company to our beautiful, beloved Wilmington, the New Hanover County commissioners and former Gov. Easley lured a dirty, polluting industry, Titan Cement to our region. This was ignorant and inexcusable: here's why.

For those touting Titan's economic prowess, they will be awed by Apple's economic benefits. Apple is a $1 billion investment that will provide 50 full-time jobs, an additional 250 jobs for site maintenance, and over 3,000 related jobs in the region. Titan Cement is a $450 million investment that will provide a mere 161 jobs. Regarding environmental impacts, Apple will be a non-polluting facility with safe working conditions. Titan Cement will be the 4th largest cement plant in the US. Its workers and the Wilmington children and residents will be exposed to hexavalent chromium, 700 tons of particulate matter, and up to 263 lbs. of mercury per year, all of which cause significant health problems including cancer.

Blame your elected officials for bringing Titan Cement to town. Ask them why they didn't bring Apple.

David Pinsky