Letters to the Editor – Troubles With The Bickering

Submitted by Janie Slaton, Retired Jefferson County Teacher, Livelong Second District Resident

I try to stay informed on the actions of the county commission and voice my opinion to my fellow Jefferson County citizens and taxpayers. The IDB Resolution 2017-20 that was vetoed by Mayor Palmieri seemed to be an excellent method to improve the tax base and opportunities for Jefferson Countians to become active partners for providing a better place for our residents. The resolution was moved in the county commission to allow citizens the opportunity to attend public meetings of the IDB to communicate their concerns and ideas. Public input would alleviate outcry and protests caused by the IDB’s announcing development projects without property owners and citizens voicing an opinion into changing the environment of their communities. Secondly, citizen input offers opportunities for a wide array of possibilities for industry from tourism to agriculture to manufacturing. The IDB might even openly invite those Jefferson County residents who want industrial development in their districts to present plans to the IDB in public hearings.

I am troubled with the bickering and power struggles we have witnessed in such a beautiful place to live and work. All citizens should realize that Jefferson County needs to add to our tax base if we want to have the security of excellent roads, emergency services, law enforcement, and education. I feel that Resolution 2017-20 was the County Commission’s offer to provide a viable means to settle conflict and to bring much needed industry to our county. I encourage the Jefferson County Commission to override the veto and pledge to work with Mayor Palmieri to develop industry opportunities for our county residents and to improve the industries we already have. I ask every concerned citizen to let his commissioners know how he feels and join me in pledging to be proactive in improving the tax base of Jefferson County with a spirit of cooperation and concern rather than a spirit of conflict and opposition. Let us resolve to make Jefferson County a prosperous, secure home for all.