Letter to the Editor

Mosquito spraying helps communities

Wednesday, September 12, 2012

To the editor:

Recently, I wrote a letter to the editor concerning mosquito spraying for the city of Gosnell and the mayor's veto.

I would like to note that not once did I write in my letter about the spraying preventing West Nile Virus. I simply wrote in support of the spraying that goes on in the city.

If you've been to any place where there is no mosquito control, you will know mosquitoes are a lot worse there than where a municipality has mosquito control. According to the Center for Disease Control, it is a proven fact that community-based mosquito control programs are able to reduce vector populations. We can't prevent the virus from coming to our town or county, but we also can't just sit idly by and hope for the best.

I would also like to note that Tim Nelson of Vector Mosquito Control was quoted recently as saying, "There's no guarantee that we can keep it away because of the circumstances. We've got a better chance than the people that don't do anything."

The bold and diligent ladies of the City Council are just standing up for the citizens and doing the right thing and once again, I'd like to commend them for that.

William King III
Gosnell