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Editorials - 02/14/02Threats against community activist are not just wrong, they're unpatriotic |
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Michael Pritchett is a quiet, unassuming guy who saw a potential problem in his community and tried to work within the system to improve things.
When he realized a junkyard near his home was adversely affecting property values and providing an "attractive nuisance" to the children who attend the new Scotts Creek School, he went to our county commissioners for help. He asked local leaders to require fencing around such businesses. With an eye toward the environment, he asked that fluids contained in junked cars not be allowed to leach onto the ground or into Parris Branch and Scotts Creek. Pritchett is doing just exactly what he's supposed to do as a citizen of the greatest democracy the world has ever seen. He's calmly and clearly stating his concerns to elected officials and seeking help for himself and his community from local leaders. For his efforts on behalf of us all, Pritchett has received threats and been refused service at a local business. Because he cared enough to speak out on behalf of his neighborhood, Pritchett now carries a weapon and monitors his telephone calls. As our armed forces remain in Central Asia, engaged in a struggle against those who would destroy our country from without, it is heartbreaking that cowards here at home would stoop so low as to harass a neighbor for expressing his point of view. This is still America. Everyone has a right to speak.
Helicopter owner has made concessions; It's time to move onWhile we sympathize with Qualla residents' concern about the noise from sight-see-ing helicopters, there doesn't appear to be any way county commissioners can legally stop their operations without the substantial financial outlay necessary to fund a protracted legal battle.Jim Garst, manager of Cherokee Helicopters is trying hard to be a responsible neighbor. He's willing to change routes, change directions, change helicopters, cease night flights and close for three months. What he's not willing to do is give up his considerable investment and his profitable business. Garst has already won the first round in the courtroom when a local ordinance aimed at his company was declared unconstitutional. While we hope commissioners will continue to work with Garst toward an amiable solution, we urge them to drop this legal battle they're not likely to win. Let's move on to drafting a polluting industries ordinance to protect our mountains from businesses that aren't here - yet. |
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