Despite a majority vote to issue the bonds, there were some council members who were reluctant to help the refinery because of charges that Marathon/Ashland doesn’t hire enough employees from St. John Parish.The bond issue which was brought up two weeks ago by the council’s bond attorney, Hugh Martin. According to Martin, all the money would be put up byMarathon/Ashland. It would permit the refinery to buy all the pollutionequipment and then ask the council the permission to issue the bonds.

Two weeks ago Councilman Dale Wolfe said he wouldn’t vote to help the refinery until it started to help out the community, that is start hiring more St. John residents. The resolution was tabled until the council could look intothe matter.

At a workshop later that week council members were told by Marathon/Ashland the refinery did hire at least 40 percent of their employees from within St. John Parish.However, at the Feb. 22 council meeting, that figure was disputed by severalcouncilmen and one local resident.

Garyville businessman Carl “Butch” Baloney, who lives near the refinery, told the council, “I have some issues with Marathon, and I don’t think Marathon is being a good neighbor.”Baloney, who is African-American, said he doesn’t believe that 40 percent of Marathon/Ashland’s employees are from St. John Parish. He went evenfurther in his accusations.

“Only 1.8 percent of the employees are African-American at Marathon,” saidBaloney.

Baloney also said if 40 percent of the employees are from St. John Parish,then “60 percent coming from outside the parish is unacceptable. If we areto co-exist, they should give back to the community.”Baloney said he is also upset the refinery has done nothing to beautify River Road, and it put in a propane pipe near his property without informing him.

“There is no input with the community,” charged Baloney. “They have toconsider the people of the community.”Gretchen Plewak, spokesperson for Marathon/Ashland, said records show 50 percent of the company’s employees are from St. John Parish.”We have done our part,” she said. “We are the largest taxpayer in theparish. We use over 90 local contractors on the plant, and we participate inthe United Way, the local vo-tech school, the public school system and provide scholarships. We have a citizens’ advisory panel where St. Johncitizens can discuss hiring practices with us.”Baloney retorted, “No businesses in our community do business with Marathon. No contractor or sub-contractor does business with Marathon.”Some members of the council agreed.

“Marathon is a large contributor to the economy, but our citizens do have some valid concerns,” said Councilman Lester Rainey.

Dale Wolfe said angrily, “If everyone had gainful employment, this wouldn’t be an issue.”Cleveland Farlough was a bit more philosophical in his observations.

“They are a big company,” said Farlough. “But they should be more pro-activewith the community. If we are expected to shake the tree for you, then weshould be able to pick up some of the fruit.”The resolution to allow Marathon/Ashland to issue the bonds passed by a vote of 8-0 with Councilman Job Boucvalt abstaining.

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