To the editor: Stop “Rush” for county-wide zoning


The Countywide Zoning effort in Vance County has attracted a new level of absurdity from proponents — and a higher level at that.

For some time now, WIZS talk-show personality George Rush has often seized opportunities to promote countywide zoning. Among some of his past suggestions should Vance County adopt zoning are: quality growth management, protection from junkyards and more jobs from attracting industry — suggestions he has yet to prove will be accomplished by zoning. Occasionally, a listener may have heard him throw in a few scare tactics if he felt the need – a common item zoning proponents just can’t seem to resist.

On the Thursday, November 02, 2006 edition of “Town Talk”, Rush again seized opportunity. After a caller mentioned the zoning issue, Rush suggested, as if a bad thing, that people in the county were “orchestrating opposition” to the proposed ordinance.

Recently in contrast however, Rush hosted a “community forum” event on September 13, 2006 in which three prominent countywide zoning advocates pitched zoning live on air. Question is: during that full hour airing, why did Rush deny callers with questions the ability to dialogue in “real-time” — a format quite common for the program? Was that an example of “orchestration” by zoning proponents? And, why isn’t it “bad” if the proponents do it? Is the pot calling the kettle black?

Fortunately, an informed caller on a subsequent show disputed many of the erroneous “pro-zoning statements” delivered by panelists during the “community forum.” The caller cited credible sources during the rebuttal.

Still, on Thursday’s show, Rush topped his mark. He mentioned that during a recent trip on the Egypt Mountain Road in the Kittell area of the county, he noticed “burning tires and no-zoning signs placed in junkyard areas.”

I wondered, could Rush have been mistaken?

Upon hearing such news, my first thoughts were: “Could it be those Kittrell-Montana Militiamen destroying the community’s environment with their bold laughter thundering over the countryside?” Would I catch a glimpse of county planner Ken Krulik flying through the sky with cape and full attire, seizing private property rights and bringing justice for all?

To be sure, I traveled down to that area later that day and found it one of the most attractive areas in our county. The colored leaves only enhanced the beauty. I observed NO BURING TIRES OR JUNKYARD AREAS in view anywhere! Thank goodness!

Fortunately, I know many of the residents of that area and they are good people. Many have been good stewards of their property for generations and I think they deserve better attention and respect from our media.

If George Rush didn’t actually see those things he mentioned, I think he needs to sincerely apologize to the residents of that area and the listeners of WIZS. If he wants the county to adopt zoning, he should find fair, factual and decent ways to support and justify it.

Editor’s Note: The author requested that his or her name be withheld because “I want people to focus on the message not the writer.”