I occasionally read The Citizen to catch up on local news. As a result, I am aware of the disagreement within the County Commission regarding the West Bypass.
I do not have an opinion on whether the bypass is good or bad, because, despite the many letters published on the subject, many authors typically turn to personal attacks and insults.
I don’t ever recall reading a rational, respectful, “just the facts ma’am,” pro-and-con description of the issues involved.
These attacks may be warranted and effective, but once you’ve chosen this route, I don’t think it is realistic to expect the person you’ve attacked to extend any courtesy.
I find it silly that Commissioner Brown would think that commissioners he regularly attacks would give him the benefit of the doubt on the supplemental materials he provided just prior to a county commission meeting.
I also find it dryly amusing that Commissioner Brown refers to the West Bypass as the “developers welfare bypass.”
Developers are usually going to benefit from infrastructure improvements because they are in the business of developing land. As such, it should not surprise anyone they are highly informed on the issues that affect their ability to stay in business.
For example, if you were a developer would you be more aware of population trends, traffic patterns, zoning regulations, long-term local and regional transportation plans, and the opinion of county land use authorities than a friend who worked in the financial services industry?
If not, then you would not be a developer very long. If so, then how would you use this knowledge?
I think most folks would purchase the land outright or buy options. When? Before the infrastructure was built and prices rose.
I wouldn’t call acting on knowledge gained by studying the factors affecting your industry “welfare.”
I would be happy to read a rational, respectful, “just the facts ma’am,” pro-and-con description of the issues involved. In the meantime I respectfully request that Commissioner Brown quit maligning law-abiding developers and stop acting surprised when people he attacks don’t extend any courtesy.
J. Thomas
Fayetteville, Ga.
