A pathetic attempt

Dear Editor:

Last week’s editorial to delay zoning was a pathetic attempt to misguide your readers. You and your friends in high places seem to be grasping at straws. The Zoning Ordinance referendum should be on the ballot in November, 2010.

The people of Morgan County have been pressing local leaders for decades to manage growth and make big subdivision developers pay their fair share of the tax burden for capital improvements to public services.

Now, after the people have been through years of countless meetings, after planning commission members and volunteers working on zoning have produced a zoning ordinance with rural character, and after the zoning ordinance has been made available on the internet and in print for public review and comment — now you tell us to continue talking about it two more years. Why? We all know the reasons.

First, high-density residential properties are more profitable for big developers when they don’t have to pay impact fees. With no zoning county
residents must pay higher taxes every year to improve roads, schools, police, fire, etc., for unregulated sporadic growth in population. This is neither fair nor balanced.

Also, zoning highlights appropriate areas for various types of industrial and commercial development. This stimulates economic recovery and brings jobs to the county. Action is needed now, not endless debate.

Some politicians may think it smart to play-along with the big developers, mortgage bankers, lawyers and speculators who increase their profits at the expense of county taxpayers and the rural environment. Candidates promoted by the old guard still arrogantly believe they can intimidate and stonewall county residents, farmers and small business owners.

Special interest politicians thought that way in 2006, but the people elected Brenda Hutchinson because she stands with the people. Again, in 2008 the people ousted the County Commissioner Promoting No-Zoning propaganda and elected Stacy Dugan, one of their own. In November 2010, it’s time to finally complete the Comprehensive Plan with a zoning ordinance and let voters democratically determine their own future.

2006-2008-2010-It’s time to zone...

Barbara Tutor
Berkeley Springs