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Commission, director should cooperate


To the Editor:

I was a bit taken aback when I read the article, "Heads butt at county planning meeting." I was too young to care much about the "thrillah in Manila" but I never envisioned I'd miss a second chance to see a big bout. What is going on? I wasn't there and don't claim any special knowledge of the meeting. I won't deny that I've heard there have been challenging moments in the past between the planning commission and the county commissioners but, jeez o'pete folks!

I can only trust that the planning commission was set up to ensure fairness and avoid any appearance of conflicts of interest. I also trust that people appointed to the planning commission are good people who serve voluntarily and, like doctors, mean to first do no harm. They have earned the right to be treated with respect.

I guess the thing that has me all stirred up (although not the only thing), is the statements made by Bobbi Strait. I don't know the lady. I have no reason to think negatively about her, but, am I the only person who thinks her comments about issuing permits in spite of the planning commission's work were unhelpful? I don't mean to criticize, but how does it help inspire a professional working relationship? If she was correct in believing the planning commission acted in error, should it be a matter dealt with so publicly? Doesn't she understand her comments place the public's trust in the planning commission in jeopardy, assuming people consider her a credible judge? Isn't trust the difference between walking a horse and dragging it? How unthinkable is it that my tax dollars will be used to defend Marion County against a lawsuit brought by someone who feels vindicated that their request was mishandled.

I'd be interested to know how the county commissioners took her comments. Why should anyone accept an appointment to an unpaid position on a board or public commission if they can't expect to be treated with respect. These things have a way of being dealt with at the ballot box.

It reminds me of something I heard many times as a child, "Don't make me come in there!"

Dinah Richmond

Peabody

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