Land planning is not a small issue

Editor,

When it comes to land planning, we the public supposes that our elected officials will take care of our private interests. That's what we're led to believe at campaign time.

Then we go back to sleep, until something kicks us on the shins.

Land planning affects every individual in the county one way or another - especially those who dream of owning a home, and who doesn't?

This latest theory (land planning) is totally unfair to the small landowner and young people wanting a home.

1) They can't afford 20 acres or the exorbitant price some neighbor will want for their building rights and then build a home.

2) Preserving small tracts for AG is impractical today. You can't make a profit on a small tract in this area. Other than the area around the home, many small tracts are uncared for.

3) The necessity of selling a small tract to save a family home from foreclosure is all too evident today.

It has never been explained to me, clearly, who determines what planning is necessary for our survival. Everyone points a finger at someone else. The plans change from time to time and the landowners are just puppets on a string.

If State and Federal laws actually demand it, then we need to deal with them separately. But for now, let's get practical and give the people a vote on it. This would solve several problems.

1) If the people accept it, then they would have no complaint.

2) The commissioners would be off the hook, as they are presently responsible for each project and receive pressure from both sides.

I think I'm in the same category as most of the public today. We hear of so much government that we just reach a stage of frustration and try to ignore it.

I've never been to a public meeting where public input changed the agenda, which the leader had already. They simply say we had the meetings according to instructions, creating a lawyer's paradise.

I believe we have a pretty good set of commissioners. However, is it justice when one land planner makes all the decisions on what and where? Then three commissioners' opinions become enforceable laws?

How can commissioners (whoever they are) make such total decisions on a huge project that affects the lives and future of every citizen in the county?

Zon L. Lloyd

Ronan