10/15/12 - A Democratic candidate running for a seat on the county board is calling on Commissioners to delay final approval of an easement for an oil pipeline company. There have been ongoing easement issues between Enbridge and local property owners and the legal disputes are being heard in Livingston County Circuit Court. The finance committee of the Livingston County Board of Commissioners approved a $400,000 easement agreement with Enbridge Inc. that was negotiated by Airport Manager Mark Johnson and members of the aeronautical facilities board. However, Democratic candidate Jeanette DiFlorio of Oceola Township who is running for District 2 feels the county could have held off and used some its power to influence the company to reach a settlement with the property owners. She tells WHMI that many homeowners have expressed concerns with Enbridge tearing up their property or who felt they didnât receive a fair deal. Commission Chairwoman Maggie Jones says the board is well aware of the property easement issues that exist with some of the homeowners along the pipeline route. She says the board has been in contact with Enbridge and individual homeowners on several occasions to do what it can within legal and statutory means to facilitate communication, obtain answers and allow a venue for public comment. Commissioner Dave Domas echoed those sentiments, telling WHMI it would be inappropriate for the county to get involved in the legal matters between Enbridge and local homeowners. Enbridge has said that a zero-risk pipeline is not possible and Domas says the company has not offered any written guarantees to the county that the original pipeline would not be used again. (JK)
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