Letters To The Editor

"Letters To The Editor" do not necessarily reflect the opinions of The Jefferson County Post nor any of its employees. The Jefferson County Post does not underwrite any of the facts or situations mentioned in the letters.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Megasite Editorial

Submitted By David Seal

Jefferson County has once again squandered any hope of having a respectful, peaceful, business-like outcome in accomplishing a goal. We now have Megasite madness. Our congressman Phil Roe, County Mayor, and members of the EDOC Committee stood proudly at a press conference announcing that a megasite was coming to Jefferson County, before any property owner in the Megasite zone was contacted. This was one of the first stinging insults to the good people of the Chestnut Grove, Kansas-Talbott, Sager, and Spring Creek Communities. It became obvious that for months, possibly years, a group of people had been secretly drawing lines on a map of Jefferson County, lines that would later separate families, friends, and farms. The clandestine work by megasite planners was even kept away from certain County Commissioners who were assumed to be unworthy of knowing the secret plot, much like the cool kids on the playground keeping the “big secret” away from the nerds.

After the public announcement, a meeting was called at EXPO Center by EDOC to better inform the public and demonstrate the open-nature of the process; It was anything but. It was the Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce doing what they do best in public, shaking hands, slapping backs, and schmoozing. This sort of thing never works to win the hearts and minds of farmers that shoot strait, talk plain, and expect results. EDOC and the Chamber of Commerce had a group of property owners in attendance at EXPO Center that were curious, surprised, angry, and scared that century-old farms were going to be taken by eminent domain. Nothing was done to calm their fears, answer their questions, or address their concerns – just schmoozing.

At the County Commission Budget Committee Meeting, about 200 property owners stood in front of the committee announcing that 1400 acres of the 1800 acre proposed Megasite was not for sale. Mr. Garrett Wagley, speaking for EDOC, addressed the committee asking for half a million dollars to proceed with Megasite certification, which included land acquisition. One of the property owners seated near me leaned over and said “I wouldn’t trust that rat as far as I could throw an anvil”, summarizing the sentiment of other property owners in attendance. Adding to the insult, Mr. Wagley read a line item from his budget request to pay Moxley-Carmichael Public Relations in Knoxville a 5000 dollar retainer. This is a firm that specializes in “spin”; in this case they are virtually being charged with the task of making mule skinners and snake oil salesmen (Megasite Developers) look palatable, again more insult to the intelligence of the property owners. Commissioners approved the budget request of 442311 taxpayer dollars to purchase options on property that land owners insist is not for sale.

Finally, the County Commission as a whole approved the Megasite budget request. At this meeting, public comment was not allowed until a determined commissioner called for a vote to suspend the rules long enough for one brief comment by the attorney representing the property owners. A lone citizen uttered two words out-of-order and was ejected from the meeting by police in a theatrical show of authority, adding to the anger, resentment, and humiliation of the property owners. Now the property owners will be hounded by developers to sign a document that resembles a soul-selling agreement designed to give the buyers absolute advantage over the land owners.

With fear running high that a sinister force is flying under the radar pulling the strings of government, local legislators would be well served to take some time to answer some hard questions before proceeding with the Megasite. Meanwhile, the hounds have been released on the above mentioned communities. I would pay a thousand dollars to be a fly on the wall when these suit and tie real estate predators call on some of my angry, insulted, no-nonsense neighbors asking them to sign on the dotted line.

SUBMITTED BY DAVID SEAL

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LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Submitted By Teresa Bombard, Brodhead, KY

During a trip south, I and my 10 month old grand-daughter were travelling on I40 when the alternator went out on my truck. The mechanic at the Pilot Truck Stop directed me to Advance Auto Parts, where I was quickly assisted by professional and kind staff. From there, an employee helped us get to Busters Wrecker and Towing Service. Everyone there was courteous and quickly had us on the road. It is nice to know there are still businesses with professional and great employees and I thank everyone who took time to get my grand-daughter and me safely on our way.

Teresa Bombard
Brodhead, KY