As we approach the critical Public Hearing on the Comp Plan, scheduled for 7pm, May 14th, it would be good to remember that we are not the only group at work on this effort. I am not referring to CBES, who have paid modest attention to what goes on in Accomack County, nor am I referring to the stalwart but single handed efforts of Lois Cooper. I am referring to The Opposition.

There is a small group of people who vehemently oppose and harass us. From farm agents to pharmacists to real estate agents to planning commissioners to supervisors, they spread their opinions as if they were facts, disregard or criticize indisputable facts, actively seek to discredit the people who oppose them and constantly demonstrate a profound caring - for themselves.

We cannot ignore them, even though we know that their arguments are unsound. Furthermore, unlike them, we believe that they are entitled to their opinions.

Their position depends entirely on the housing development environment in Accomack County being wide open. They want no restrictions whatsoever. They care not a whit for pavement or pollution or any impediment to them doing exactly what they want whenever they want. Their attitude, if allowed to prevail, would result in the loss of this county’s unique natural quality, upon which rests the expressed vision for the best future of our citizens.

Development, like what exists today in Sussex County, for example, would prevail. Our neighbors to the north and south have adopted far more restrictive plans and zoning ordinances to prevent that from happening to them. So far, we have done very little and we remain the “low hanging fruit, ripe for the plucking.”

Anyone with any common sense understands that thoughtless action can have unforeseen consequences, that poorly planned actions can lead to very high priced solutions. So goes the struggle in Accomack County as these same people who want development at any cost, fail to consider the tax burden they would impose on the rest of us.

You cannot have it both ways. If you favor unrestricted development you also tacitly support greatly higher property taxes. You cannot wave your stubby little fingers in the air and claim you want to hold down the tax burden on the average citizen while your other fingers are scratching the backs of developers. The bottom line: development costs the taxpayers.

This irresponsible and callous disregard for Accomack County’s legacy and for its citizens must be resisted at every level and at every opportunity. This is why your participation in this dialogue about government is critical and why on May 14th your public comment is so important.