Commissioners should listen to citizens

Queen Anne's County Commissioners recently indicated they have done their best representing all the people of the County. "You always have the few who don't like (a project) ... and they are always the few who are very vocal. The easiest thing in the world to say is 'I don't like this' about a project. But these people have to come up with alternatives."

It appears there may be more than a “few people” who take issue with the impending growth and development :

• Sept 14, 2000 .... Critical Area Commission Hearing on the Four Season's Growth Allocation. Kent Island High School, standing room only, 500+ people. Many spoke against the Growth Allocation.
• November 2, 2000 .... Election Day. Petition to Commissioners requesting responsible growth management and denial of Growth Allocation. 2,198 voters signed this petition.
• February 27, 2001 .... Commissioner's Hearing on the Growth Allocation. Kent Island High School, standing room only, 500+ people. Many spoke against the Growth Allocation.
• October 23, 2001 .... Referendum Petition on Critical Area map amendments filed with the Board of Elections. 4,409 citizens (about 20% of QAC registered voters) signed this petition to place the Growth Allocation on the ballot.

The Commissioners should act on the desire of the citizens to vote on or stop large scale developments. As Commissioners, they should use the financial and human resources at their disposal to determine other satisfactory alternatives. A lot of taxpayer money has been spent on studies. Perhaps it is time to perform a relatively inexpensive citizen survey on growth issues.

Richard Moser

Chester, MD