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I will miss a friend

An open letter to the citizens of Jefferson County:

Many people know that I have been a very vocal and steadfast leader in the campaign to end the VET (vehicle emissions test) in Jefferson County.  As one of the founding members of Stop the VET I had no idea when I began what directions this effort would lead me in or of the massive amount of support for the effort.

The more I studied the issue the more I understood how the VET was used to justify more commercial and industrial pollution.  I began attending meetings of the Justice Resource Center in West Louisville which is headed by Rev. Louis Coleman.  That is where I met Roosevelt Roberts and many other people who had been working on the toxic pollution problems in the Rubbertown area.

Today I write to you to tell you how saddened I am at the tragic loss of a friend, Roosevelt Roberts, that I would never have known had I not gotten involved in this campaign to end the VET.  I came to know and understand Roosevelt Roberts.  He was one of the most honest, sincere and caring people I have met and  I can truly say it was a blessing to know him.  He was an unselfish leader who worked very long and hard on behalf of people that he did not even know.  He was a man to be looked up to and to admire and I enjoyed the pleasure of working with and knowing him.   

On Saturday April 17th I attended another meeting about pollution in the Rubbertown area and I was shocked that Roosevelt suffered a fatal heart attack at that meeting.  Roosevelt Roberts died while working for the citizens of Rubbertown and Jefferson County. 

Roosevelt Roberts will be sorely missed by his wonderful family.  I write this letter to let you know that he will be sorely missed by me and by many people of Jefferson County that never knew him.  Roosevelt Roberts was truly an honorable man.  May he now rest in peace!

Sincerely,

John Riley

Member of Stop the VET 

Louisville, KY 40222

502-425-5783

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