It has been suggested that I post my letter to the editor here as well, so ..here it is. Feel free to share!! Dear Editor I cant help but ask how we (the public) are to retain good faith in our county officials, and trust those elected and selected to serve us, when the questions and concerns of so many citizens are apparently not important enough for our Judge Executive, Magistrates, and committee members to adequately answer? I have attended most public meetings held since the changes in our current chicken house ordinance was proposed. It has been obvious from the beginning that these meetings were merely obligatory, and never with any concern of how we, the people, may have felt about it. Sure, weve had the chance to (briefly) voice our concerns and ask questions - and believe me, we have. Over and over and over. Never were those with genuine and legitimate concerns and questions given answers, nor presented facts, nor shown any real proof what so ever that any true consideration was given to ANY concern that wasnt one of Equity Group. I left the agricultural committee meeting today feeling small and voiceless. Although I personally never spoke at these meetings, I was there to witness all the words that werent pro Equity Group or supportive of changing this ordinance going in one ear and out the other of all those who are supposye to represent us, the people... It was all just to placate us, to trick us into believing our voices were heard. The outcome was never in question. The decision was made long ago, and without considering the people at all. I urge the people of Cumberland County to consider the implications of this. What does it mean for us if those chosen to represent the people and make choices on our behaves cannot be trusted to, at the very least, listen with an open and un-biased ear to each and every voice wishing to be heard. To hear our concerns not out of obligation to the law, but because we have entrusted them to be our voice, and that is a position of high regard. Thank You, Holly Jo Harris
Posted on: Fri, 10 Oct 2014 02:30:07 +0000