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‘Alternative Zero’ hopes to share fourth option not included in EIS
Sometimes, the best option is no option. This is what “Alternative Zero,” a local group concerned about proposed live-fire training in Tinian and Pagan, hopes to get across.
In an interview, one of the group’s leaders Pete Perez, and member of the now reactivated Paganwatch, said, “Alternative Zero is designed to bring the truth out.”
The U.S. military has been working on the draft environmental impact statement for the live-fire training for years. The impact statement details three “alternatives” for the proposed training. Three public hearings are set next week.
Perez said the conversation now should not be about mitigation, but should be about “what do we want to do with our land?”
“The question is do we want to change our society? Alternative Zero tells our story. What the people want our community to be,” he said.
“We don’t even have to talk about the [impact statement]. We should be able to say thanks…but no thank you,” he said.
Perez said the group will set up tents outside the public hearings an hour before and hour after the hearings.
His message to the public is to “show up” at the hearings.
“Just show up. Come into the tents. Enjoy the company. See what the military has to say,” he said.
“This is our home. We just need to talk to each other and make sure we shout out with one strong voice, ‘No.’”
He said the only way the military will win is if the public remains quiet.
Those interested in making financial contributions to the group can head to Rosal Zest, a print company, on Monsignor Guerrero Road near Atkins Kroll, or buy 50 bumper stickers and distribute them.
