The Oglethorpe Echo
An initial glance at Monday night’s county commission agenda signaled a breezy meeting. But unlisted items turned the session into a stormy exchange between commissioners and a few residents.
Under “other business” and “public comment,” four topics stirred emotions and sometimes angry reactions.
One issue, dog control, has been festering for several years. Monday night, the discussion boiled over to an intense exchange between Chairman Jay Paul and animal advocate Faith Campbell.
But first, we believe the meeting got out of control when all residents who wanted to speak were not required to come forward to state their names and addresses. To compound matters, no one was required to limit their remarks to the customary 3 minutes. And that helped spark the out-of-control situation.
We are advocates of the First Amendment, which gives us the right to express our opinions. With hopes of civility, we also support healthy exchanges of personal views. Monday night, civility — at times — took a back seat.
As residents of Oglethorpe County, you need to be aware of four controversial topics that were not on the agenda.
- A variety of opinions swirl around the school zone cameras that are aimed at safer driving practices near campuses. No one seems to dispute the need for safety. The backlash comes from tickets issued when the school zone lights aren’t flashing, and as one commissioner pondered aloud, “Who should get the fine money?” Your voice matters.
- Oglethorpe County has dozens of noncompliant residences that include campers, RVs, utility sheds and others. There are specific rules in the code book. How the county should enforce the law is the debate. It’s clear some folks can’t afford better living arrangements. Monday night, two residents urged compassion. But then there are safety risks of noncompliance, no tax dollars to help cover county services provided and no registration for 911 response purposes. Your voice matters.
- There is at least one book in the Oglethorpe County Library, a branch of the Athens Regional Library, that several commissioners label pornographic and unsuitable for young readers. What should be done about that? A person sitting in the audience offered, “Check them out and don’t return them.” One official suggested cutting off local funding to the library. The debate isn’t going away. Where do discretion and the First Amendment reach an accord? Do you have an opinion? Talk to your commissioner(s). Your voice matters.
- The issue that has festered the longest is what to do about roaming dogs, some of which are dangerous. Campbell contended ordinances are ignored, and she locked horns with Paul. The observation — over the years — is that the commission has no appetite for investing tax dollars to provide the facilities and services needed to address the problem. Thus, the heated exchanges go on and on and on. What do you think should be done? Your voice matters.
As residents, voters and taxpayers, you should take an active part in the issues of Oglethorpe County. A good start is attending all governmental meetings, either in person or online.
Let your officials know what you think. And as your community newspaper, we pledge our best to keep you informed.
We can’t say it enough: Your voice matters.