Property rights shouldn't supersede public welfare

Dear Editor,

The main problem with the June 27 article regarding concern within the ranks of the Chesterfield County Republican Committee (CCRC) about losing "their" majority on the Board of Supervisors in the November elections is the presumption that the seats on the board belong to the CCRC in the first place.

The positions on the Board of Supervisors are public positions to whom those declaring themselves to be Republicans are currently the occupants, having been entrusted with this responsibility by the registered voters of Chesterfield County. Not one single member of the CCRC possesses ownership rights to any of these positions. To think, or declare, otherwise shows the disregard many elected officials in Chesterfield County have for the citizens.

Lest anyone forget, the voters in Chesterfield need to remember who [Board Chairman Kelly] Miller has supported thus far in 2007: (1) Will Shewmake, 68th House District primary. Result: lost overwhelmingly 24 to 76 percent. (2) Jack Wilson, Bermuda District primary. Result: lost 43 to 57 percent; (3) Mark Tubbs, Matoaca District canvas. Result: 25 vote victory, after losing the most populous area and the one experiencing the greatest growth related issues, by 99 votes.

The voters need to pay close attention to Mr. Miller's words. He is trying to declare black is white and white is black while actually claiming that both are really gray! In his own words, "…[so] we shouldn't stop growing. [Besides, that] is impossible and illegal." Hopefully, he took a breath between these and the next sentence. Otherwise, I have to think he was oxygen deprived. "We have to do a better job at managing growth."

To "manage growth" would require the Board of Supervisors, of which Mr. Miller has been a member for almost eight years and served as its chairman at least twice, to actually deny or defer rezoning cases that

a) did not meet the comprehensive plan or

b) for which the approval of the case would jeopardize the safety, health and welfare of the citizens of Chesterfield County.

This citizen of Chesterfield County believes the first and foremost responsibility of every member of the Board of Supervisors is to safeguard the safety, health and welfare of the general public, even if it conflicts with "property rights." Probably every citizen of Chesterfield County believes in property rights. However, I recall a famous U. S. Supreme Court Justice stating, "Your rights end when they come into contact with my nose." I believe the same is the case regarding property rights. Private property rights end, or must be checked, when such rights pose a danger to the health, safety and welfare of the general public. To do otherwise is irresponsible.

In addition, the voters of Chesterfield should not forget the internal memo that Mr. Miller appears to have conveniently overlooked. This internal memo to the Board of Supervisors provided numerous tools legally available to the board regarding such zoning matters.

Bob Herndon

Matoaca District

Herndon misquotes Miller's comment on growth management. As the June 27 story reported, Chairman Miller said, "…I think we can do better at managing growth." Herndon is the campaign treasurer for Marleen Durfee, an Independent candidate for supervisor in Matoaca District. Editor