About Polson's growing pains

My compliments to Shelley Lawrence for her recent articles regarding Polson's growth. Several possible issues were brought to light within these articles that should be of concern to all Polson residents.

An item of glaring significance is the likely conflict of interest of developer-realtor-Polson city councilman Mike Maddy being the "primary councilman assigned to oversight of building and planning, water and sewer".

Maddy was quoted as "not asking Polson for any adjustments whatsoever" in regard to his proposed Cougar Ridge development. The impact of such a development, however, would most certainly require "adjustment" within the city water system, sewer system, emergency services, road maintenance services, school system, and traffic system. Within the realm of the city council, what is the meaning of oversight?

Maddy's retort as to reluctance of supplying a "community impact statement" because Mission Bay was not required to do so does not sound much like a responsible offering from a city councilman.

Why not take the high road, Mike, and provide such community impact studies thereby setting a precedent for developments to follow?

Mandatory requirements for such impact statements will likely be initiated as Polson continues to grow. Cougar Ridge can be a shining example of concern for its effect upon the community. If you wish the community to welcome your development, why not provide the community with real data rather than just pipe dreams? How will Cougar Ridge impact the city's sewage treatment facility? Is Cougar Ridge to take all of the 30 annual allowable water connections for the next 11.5 years?

What type of access will be needed to and from Highway 93?

I have little doubt that Polson will grow. Mike Maddy has positioned himself to be at the forefront of growth within the immediate future. I hope his eyes have not become so glazed over by dollar signs that he is not willing to use much of his influence toward prudent growth. Western Montana is becoming riddled with communities that are no longer a pleasure in which to live. Prudent growth should be the concern of every city council member.

As the late social and environmental activist, Edward Abbey said, "Growth for the sake of growth is the ideology of the cancer cell."

We can have growth, we just need to be careful it does not consume the qualities of life we call home.