THE PUBLIC MIND: OPPONENT TO COUNTY ZONING PROPOSAL WANTS TO HAVE A VOICE IN PLANNING PROCESS

To the Editor:

Voters beware:

I read with great interest Gene (Cape County Planning Commission Chairman) Peterman's letter last Friday on why we should all vote for the present planning and zoning ordinance. I, too, live in rural Cape County. I also do not want a trailer court, landfill~ or toxic waste dump next to my land. I believe we should have planning for growth that will push us into the next century.

However, I want to have a voice in the planning that will occur. The present ordinance will stifle my small voice and the voice of every other voter in Cape County. This ordinance calls for an appointed board, not elected. I want the individuals who will decide what happens in this county to be held accountable to me and every other voter in this county. For instance if this ordinance passes in its present form, this appointed board could decide to okay the building of a lake next to my property (or yours); or even take my land (or yours) for a lake. To whom could I (or you) go to complain? Would a P&Z board listen to Cape County voters who did not elect them; or would they listen to those who appointed them? Answer this question with your vote to do away with the present ordinance. We have seen too many cases in our country, state, and community where unrestricted power breeds arrogance and indifference to taxpayers. Don't forget citizens of Cape Girardeau and Jackson that you, too, pay county taxes.

By the way, speaking of lakes, does anyone remember who spent tens of thousands of county tax dollars getting ready to build a lake before they were forced by a citizen's group to ask the voters and taxpayers of Cape County if they wanted a lake?

Cynthia Wine ~

Jackson