Preach to the choir: yes, that is what we did tonight and we are so happy we did. Union County cares about their land and their river, so they came out in droves tonight to support their commissioners who have the foresight to think ahead for future generations. The room was packed with locals who want the mine stopped. When John Lake asked those in the room who opposed the mine to stand, the entire room was full of standing people.
They did not all speak, in fact only five spoke, but they were there to support the speakers and the commissioners who oppose this proposed mine.
Resolution PZ/LPA M 16-01A was brought before the Planning and Zoning Adjustment Board, where five spoke for it, including Mr. Charlie Trowbridge, and your historian. Commissioner Karen Cossey made a motion to accept the resolution extending the moratorium for about a year, giving the board time to modify the LDRs to prohibit mining. Commissioner Woody Kitler gave a second, and the vote was unanimous.
As Union County does not waste time when it comes to important things, when the Planning and Zoning Adjustment Board adjourned, and the county commissioners came on board (who, by the way, happen to be the same people) they also went to the quick and soon put this item on the table: now an ordinance, which is ORDINANCE NO 2016-03 FIRST READING ONLY. Again, our champion, Commissioner Karen Cossey made the motion, and Commissioner Kitler seconded it. The vote was unanimous, so they were in unison. Second reading will be in January.
We must also attend at that time. We must not forget that the Union County commissioners are bucking big money. The more we write about political issues, the more we see the power of money and corruption. There are forces opposing these good people, and these forces are well-funded. We must support them in their decisions to do what is right, and not what is convenient at the moment. Those in Bradford County, come out and tell these commissioners that you appreciate what they do.
And Union County residents, please come to Starke and tell the commissioners there that you do not want this mine! We need you there, more than you are needed in Lake Butler.
Thanks to our speakers, Messrs. Thomas, Smith, Lake, Trowbridge and your historian.
Comments by OSFR historian Jim Tatum.
-A river is like a life: once taken, it cannot be brought back-