'Now is the time to act' for citizens who have 'had enough': vote Nichols

Editor:

Have Columbia County property owners had enough of pro-growth, out-of-control county government? If so, now is the time to act.

For several years, I have watched our county issue building permits like candy. Grow the county and expand the tax base is their mantra. I watched as the commissioners issued permits to allow builders to build on wetlands and flood-prone areas, without any consideration to the environment. I have attended several meetings and watched as the commissioners rubber-stamped these plans and proposals over the disapproval of the residents they were elected to represent. I heard the commissioner give lame excuses why they could not prevent a parcel of land from being developed, or why a certain establishment should be granted a liquor license over the public objections, or why a traffic light could not be installed.

This rapid and unrestricted growth has created a series of problems including urban sprawl, traffic congestion, inadequate infrastructure, overcrowded schools and law enforcement and public safety concerns.

Now, they want you and I to pay for the growth - by increasing taxes. If we stay the present course, our property taxes will double within a few short years. It is time for Columbia County homeowners to elect representatives who will represent us, instead of the builders and developers. It's time the homeowners have a voice in the growth of Columbia County. It's time we have elected officials who will listen and act responsibly. It's time the builders and developers pay the cost for the growth, because they are the ones reaping the profits, not the homeowner.

Therefore, I strongly indorse Scott Nichols as the homeowner candidate for the Columbia County Commission, because I've had enough.

Harvey Reif

Evans