Supervisors based vote on what's best
Editor, The Recorder,
Hats off to Jerry Rexrode and Lee Blagg for voting their consciences on the windmills. Ive known both of these men since high school; and I am confident that you wont find two more decent, hard-working, upstanding citizens. I applaud them for their courage in the face of much opposition; and I am sorry that they have encountered criticism, verbal abuse, and even threats.
I am a Highland landowner who has lived in Roanoke since graduating and leaving the county 40 years ago. The Roanoke Times has printed several articles on the windmill controversy, interviewing people on both sides of the issue and giving unbiased coverage. The article which appeared on June 4 was very unflattering to the county, thanks to quotes from opponents who went so far as to threaten a public official. These thumb-your-nose-at-society comments and attitudes could cost Highland many more tourism dollars than would be lost by the sight of windmills on the ridgetops! I was not in Roanoke when the article appeared; I was at Smith Mountain Lake and heard comments that very day from several people at the lake who had seen it and knew that I was a Highland native. For them (and probably many other readers), the personal attacks and ugliness were shocking. How sad that a well-written, informative, impartial piece was overshadowed by fanatical comments!
Petitions, road-side signs, and comments in print eventually reach the saturation point and then serve no purpose except to turn people off. Whether you are for a proposal or you are against it, the bottom line is that you still have to coexist with your neighbors; and the whole countys reputation can quickly be tarnished by misdirected comments and actions.
The vote is in, but the controversy undoubtedly will continue for a long time. Jerry and Lee based their decisions on what they believe is best for the county. They are your neighbors and your elected officials, and they deserve more compassion and respect than theyve received recently.
Hang in there, guys! I commend you for your conviction and integrity.
Nancy H. Waybright
Roanoke, Va.
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