Voice of people is needed on ridgetops
Dear Editor:
Last week, The Daily Times announced a present end to our county government’s effort to protect ridgetops and steep slopes in Blount County. Perhaps this, albeit temporary, cessation is for the best. In the long run, the elephant labored mightily and brought forth a mouse.
Five minor changes to the existing zoning code are insufficient to address the complexity of this problem. In fact, balancing the interests of the public, landowners and the environment may be too big an issue to be entrusted to county government alone.
Just as on the national stage when Congress with all its variety and wisdom and the presidency with all its zeal for change cannot deal with major problems like entitlements, excess spending, excess borrowing and runaway budgets, perhaps it is time for this essential question to be taken up by an extra-governmental panel like the late budget commission.
At a recent commission meeting, I called for a blue-ribbon committee made up of a broad cut of the community and including some with specific expertise in order to ensure objectivity and avoid conflicts of interest. Without such an approach, we’re likely to see the same old eyewash again.
It seems the onus is back where it should be — on the shoulders of the people. It is an issue that will not “go away” simply because county government is not equipped to handle it.
The voice of the people needs to be heard. Will you step up to the challenge of protecting our precious natural heritage for our children and future generations?
Respectfully submitted,
John Carlton Templeton
1601 Brahman Lane
Seymour, TN 37865
