Letters to the Editor

Commissioners voted for revenue, not residents' will

The September 15, 2015 commissioners' meeting had three agenda items, one concerning a zoning change and two related items that had to do with a proposed marijuana cultivation facility and a production facility. In school we were taught that the government of the United States of America was "of the people, by the people and for the people." After attending the meeting, it appears that Commissioner Schinhofen was absent when that was taught.

Numerous residents were in attendance at the meeting, many of them attending for the first time, expecting that their elected commissioner would hear their voice. They were told, in so many words, that not only what they had to say did not matter, but the over 500 signatures that volunteers worked so hard to gather against the proposed marijuana cultivation and production facility on Hafen Ranch Road did not mean anything to Commissioner Schinhofen. Mr. Schinhofen voted for the revenue that would be generated by these facilities, rather than the will of the residents. This is the same commissioner Schinhofen, who when sworn in at his very first commission meeting, said that the commissioners were not making enough money and should get a raise. Maybe with this vote he will get that raise.

There were three other commissioners that voted to approve the license for the facility, however, it was not to be located in their districts. I have to say, that Commissioner Carbone did put a number of restrictions on the motion, but in the end he voted to approve the measure. Commissioner Borasky was the only commissioner who voted his conscience and the wants of the people over the increase in revenue for the budget-short county. My hat is off to him for his courage.

I am not sure what Commissioner Schinhofen's margin of victory was in his last election, but I would think that 500 votes would have taken quite a bite out of it. I can only surmise that in commissioners' mind, that if the residents' voices and signatures do not matter, then their votes do not matter either.

Ken Neitz

Thank you from Affordable Family Dental

Dr. Sean Yim and staff at Affordable Family Dental would like to thank the community for coming out and supporting our office at this year's Fall Festival.

Congratulations to all the winners. We were able to raffle off two bikes, and many gift certificates.

We Look forward to seeing your family and taking care of all their dental needs in the future.

Once again, thank you for all your support.

Dr. Sean Yim and staff