Dear Editor,
In a democratic republic, who “decides?” In a democratic republic, with a representative government “of, by, and for the people,” what weight should elected officials give to public input?
In his eight-year term, George W. Bush, “the decider,” decided to invade Iraq, hammer the environment with “clean air laws,” and declare his flawed mission “accomplished.” Public outrage? Simple. “We don’t govern (decide) by polls.”
Now comes to Ravalli County a triumvirate of deciders. Libertarians in the guise of Republicans, they feel elected to decide such issues as airport growth, economics, and safety, problematic housing developments, and the fate of a voluntary recycling program.
Input from citizens? The planning board voted 5 to 2 to reject the Flatiron Subdivision. Public comment was 20 to1 against the proposed development of 500 homes containing serious problems with water, traffic, schools and sewage.
An internet search discloses 551 homes in foreclosure and 871 homes on the market in Ravalli County. With this glut, must we face the prospect of an additional “500 homes in a swamp,” described by Richard Morrissey in a thorough and exacting study of this proposal? Will the commissioners’ decision take into account and respect input “of, by and for the people” of Ravalli County?
Assaulted by deciders, subdividers and self-serving developers, when will the PEOPLE declare enough?
John Carbin
Stevensville