Everyone in the county knows that zoning is a special interest land grab.
Everyone in the county knows who’s behind it, the same group of people who have profited greatly by destroying Henderson, leaving it morally and fiscally bankrupt.
Everyone knows that zoning does not do what its pushers say it will do. We don’t have to look at neighboring counties. We just need to look at Henderson. The same few people who call the shots in Henderson now want to call the shots in the county. They have failed miserably in Henderson. How can we expect anything different in the county?
Recently, the commissioners were asked in the Dispatch if there are four with honor, integrity, common sense, conviction, and a desire to serve all the citizens, not just a few.
We know of two. Mr. Pegram has for several years publicly resisted the stealing of our property rights. He wants our property rights protected. And Mr. Brummitt, a real community hero, has steadfastly represented the citizens of Vance County as they struggle to maintain control of their lives, their property, and their futures.
We’re looking for two more.
The real question to be answered by two commissioners Monday night is “WHO DO YOU SERVE?”
Mr. Wilder, who do you serve? Do you serve your constituents, neighbors, and church mates who have shown overwhelmingly since 2006 that they do not want to be zoned? Or do you want so desperately to be in that inner country club circle that you are willing to forsake your heritage, your friends, your neighbors, your common sense, the truth, and the facts? Have you taken leave of your senses? Voters in your district elected you to do their will, not betray them for 30 pieces of slug silver.
Mr. Garrison, who do you serve? Do you serve your constituents? Or will you continue to cower at the feet of Commissioners Brown and Wright and condemn citizens in your district to more crime, more poverty, more drug use, more squalor, and a bleak economic future? Voters in your district do not deserve to be treated like second class citizens.
You two have the rare opportunity Monday night to prove you are gentlemen, to prove that you cannot be bribed, threatened, or bought. Your vote on zoning will show every citizen in Vance County who you really serve.
Citizens truly hope that you will man up, fight the urge to be someone you’re not, throw off the chains that bind you, and vote not to zone the county. If you are in fact honorable gentlemen, you will not allow the property rights of the many to be taken for the benefit of a few.
Rusty McMahon