State Rep. Doyle Heffley, R-Carbon, issued a statement regarding the comments made about his viewpoints on the quality of life for Carbon County residents in a Times News story Monday.

“Statements have been made by some folks who attended the most recent Nesquehoning Borough Council meeting, and unfortunately, the statements are inaccurate and misleading,” Heffley said.

He said the resident contacted his office with concerns about Panther Creek’s proposed plan for a coal burning company to burn tire-derived fuel as part of its fuel source.

“I called the resident, and we spoke at length about the matter. It was a mutual conversation. I listened and expressed my thoughts and concerns, and I explained this is an issue for the Department of Environmental Protection,” Heffley said.

“In light of our conversation, the comments made at last week’s meeting are simply inaccurate and slanderous,” Heffley continued.

“The resident mischaracterized our conversation. In no way did I say or imply I did not care about the residents of Nesquehoning or the zinc company in Palmerton caused cancer,” he said, adding “Every resident of Pennsylvania has a right to clean air and water. As a lifelong resident of Carbon County, I have been drinking the water and breathing this air my entire life. I serve every resident in the 122nd District, and we all deserve the same necessities and quality of life.

Heffley said he is available to discuss issues.

“I understand people share passionate views, but it is important to respectfully refrain from misstatements that intentionally create a reaction and focus on the facts,” he said. “I hold regular telephone town hall meetings, send out weekly e-newsletters and meet with residents of the county to maintain open lines of communication.”

Residents with questions and concerns are invited to call his district offices at 610-377-6363 or 570-722-8700.