Pamela Maggard
At-Large Representative

My name is Pamela Maggard and I live in Sassafras, a small “coal camp” community on the Knott/Perry County line. I’m married to Charles Maggard Jr. and have one daughter, Ashley Blair. I’m also the mother to three dogs, Reba, Bocephus, and Shelby Lynn and one cat, George Jones. I was born and raised in Wyandotte, MI, but my parents were from Eastern KY.  I moved back to Kentucky iin August of 1981, the same time KFTC began, to answer a call for special education teachers. I’ve taught at R.W. Combs Elementary School in Happy, KY for 25 years and I still love teaching!

 I guess I first began forming my ideas about landownership and coal company  injustice about 1974 when my grandparents were forced to leave their “homeplace”  in Martin County. Strip mining above them caused slides, boulders falling, windows shattering, shakes, and their spring -their only water source- to be  contaminated. It was decided for their own safety they would have to move. They were moved to Johnson County, but were never satisfied, especially my Grandpa who  spent a lot of time at first going back to the homeplace and sort of camping out. The land sits vacant today, only the chimney left to show  where my Mom, Aunts and Uncles were raised. 

After moving to Kentucky in 1981, I continued to view strip mining as a scar on our
beautiful mountains.  Increased reports of flooding, slides, and slips continued to fuel my
anger.  When I bought my home, I was pursuing the “American Dream”, only to have a
nightmare of dirty, dusty,  pothole making, water line bursting coal trucks invade! I
decided to become  actively involved. I decided I could no longer sit back and take it. I
try  to be a voice for my community.

In April of 2005, I was invited by one of my neighbors to a community meeting to discuss the coal truck traffic problems facing my small community of Sassafras. I thought KFTC was going to take care of our problems for us!  I later learned they would teach us ways to meet our problems head on and seek solutions.

Most important to my work with KFTC is being a voice for my neighbors.  And to try and get all coal trucks to take the alternate route available and stay out of Sassafras!  Second, representing KFTC on the Coalfield Delegation to the UN last May was a great experience.  The Youth Caucus I met there gave me so much hope for the future of the world! Those kids were so bright, energetic, and informed.  If we can hang onto the resources we have left they will find the solutions: conservation, renewables and equality.  The nation does not know the true cost of MTR, but they are becoming aware. I’m glad to have a hand in educating them.  Finally, I have enjoyed working with the citizens of “Rubbertown”. It doesn’t matter if it’s coal in Eastern Kentucky or chemicals in Louisville, we all have a fight against big businesses and big money on our hands for our rights to a healthy home and life.

My focus changed from local issues to statewide issues for several reasons.  First, coal mining is ruining Kentucky’s water supply, which ultimately impacts the whole state who are down river from us.  Second, people from all over the state kept coming to Eastern Kentucky to support us. I can’t tell in words how much that means to me. It’s a wonderful feeling.  I want to return the favor and support them in their particular causes.

My favorite thing about KFTC?  The People! Everyone has made me feel welcome. People continue to encourage me to believe I can really make a difference.

As a new member of the Executive Committee, I want to continue to work with the Land Reform Committee. I want our coal truck bill put out on the floor for a vote! Let Kentuckians decide, not Hubert Collins!  I also want to help any of our members and their causes, in anyway I can.  I hope that KFTC sees growth and prosperity in the coming years. I want our organization to continue to help the people of Kentucky help themselves.