Lately, I've been perplexed

as I observe land being cleared of beautiful old trees

for more development. Instead of defacing the land, why

not fill the empty stores all over the city?

Thankfully, in 1999, our

city made a positive move with the adoption of a new land

use plan. Currently, they are working on a stricter tree

ordinance. This ordinance is essential, considering the

rate developers are destroying our trees.

Wherever I go, Fayette

citizens voice these same concerns. Consequently, I've

decided to speak out about the runoff election for City

Council between Clyde Avery and Bill Talley.

Mr. Talley is a banker

working in Pine Mountain. As the chairman of

Fayetteville's Planning and Zoning Commission, he was a

major player in the adoption of the recent land use plan.

Also, he did not vote, but instead managed the meetings

and treated commercial and residential interests with

equal respect.

He worked to strengthen

tree, buffer and architecture ordinances which cost

commercial developers more money but protect homeowners.

If these ordinances are weakened, it would ultimately

increase the value of commercial property at the expense

of residential property.

Mr. Avery is a commercial

property manager and broker. I believe if we elect Avery,

there will be a clear conflict of interest. Is this not a

bit like putting the fox in charge of the chicken coop?

I will be at the polls on

Nov. 16 to vote for Bill Talley and encourage all

concerned Fayetteville citizens to do the same.

Joyce Lester

Fayetteville

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