Editorials - 01/31/02

EDC's proposals merit consideration

After spending some eight months studying the economic ramifications of a proposed asphalt plant, EDC members concluded that, economically speaking, such a plant wouldn't have much of an effect at all. Their recommendation to the commissioners, however, exceeded their original charge.

Don't think narrowly, in terms of only one industry, think in terms of the whole county, seems to be what EDC members are telling commissioners in urging county leaders to pass both a "polluting industries" ordinance and a countywide land use plan.

We agree with those recommendations. Jackson County's greatest assets are its clean water, natural beauty and rural landscapes, and it's time for our leaders to act to protect the quality of life we've come to treasure.

Growth is inevitable, everyone says, and will come one way or another. An ordinance to require potential polluters to be responsible environmental stewards seems like a good first step toward managing that growth.

A local ordinance could mandate stricter controls than state industrial standards require and stipulate that manufacturers follow state-of-the-art, environmentally-sound production standards.

But no matter how many rules and regulations govern a particular industrial plant or how closely it's monitored, people are not likely to want it in their backyards. That's why some sort of land-use planning is essential to control specific development. By designating industrial areas and commercial zones, county leaders can take steps to protect our farming and residential communities.

From junkyards in Addie to asphalt plants and helicopters in Qualla, local residents have asked for regulatory help from county leaders.

The EDC's recommendations, which grew out of almost a year's worth of research, seem to us to be right on target and in line with what residents have said at commissioners' meetings and Smart Growth forums.

We appreciate the EDC's efforts to convince county leaders to preserve and protect the Jackson County we all know and love.

Our commissioners asked EDC members for advice. We hope they'll follow it.

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