It’s Over! We Won! Clark Pays!

by Sandy May

Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed it’s the only thing that has. — Margaret Mead

Ten years ago, a jury awarded our community $120,000,000 (yes, that’s millions) for Clark Oil’s heavy duty, big time pollution to our community. This was a massive, class-action lawsuit. We then entered into about 5 years of appeals initiated by the oil companies.

Now, after the award and before the appeals began, Clark Premcor hired canvassers who attempted to make private settlements with some Blue Islanders as long as they didn’t consult an attorney and signed on the dotted line licketysplit. Some folks took that offer, some did not. It was stopped by a court order issued by Judge Cheryl Starks, although some residents did take advantage of the oil company offer. A DePaul University law professor expressed concern stating that “to go out there and start contacting people who may indeed be represented, whose (legal) interest may have not been extinguished is troubling…it troubles me and seems like opportunism.”

To proceed, during the week of June 21st, many of you received a notice in the mail stating that the class action suit will be finalized in September. Please see the Public Notice in this issue.

Who deserves the credit? Well, first and foremost, crusaders Joan Silke and Nancy Madrigal under the auspices of the Good Neighbor Committee performed an absolute miracle. Year after year, they wrote articles, attended meetings, spoke to groups, did research— they just kept on keeping on. Then there is Anna Stange and Lionel Trepanier as members of the Blue Island Greens. Lionel gave interviews, did research, gave out flyers, and in particular was targeted and harassed. As a community activist, one of his arrests was for the crime (hold on, it’s a biggie, folks) of Jaywalking.

And, to pat ourselves on the back, the FORUM published articles which did not endear us to some local dignitaries. We (the FORUM) received only one donation from Clark—you can bet that stopped quickly when they realized we were not going to “play footsie.” Lord knows the money was tempting but we chose instead to tell the truth about what was happening in our community and to give you advice and help when and where we could.

Above all, we gave you a Voice.

Then let’s acknowledge the attorneys who were steadfast in defending “we, the people.” Mary Ann Pohl in particular was instrumental and devoted to our cause. Please see our letter in For-U-Mail.

There is no way I can convey to you, dear readers, how delighted I am to report this news! They said it couldn’t be done!