Supervisors set example for us Editor, The Recorder,
I write to express my appreciation for the Highland County Board of Supervisors and to each supervisor for his patience, wisdom, and integrity in considering and voting on the issue of wind turbines.
Their action is an excellent example of representative democracy in action. The citizens of the county elected them and gave them authority to exercise their best wisdom and conscience in regard to the issues without being bound to the most recent opinion polls. Although I may disagree at times with their decisions, I would not want a government based upon opinion polls. The supervisors voted with faith that ultimately what is best for all would prevail because their actions would be subject to the checks and balances the American form of government provides.
I believe each supervisor cares about the commonwealth or well being of the whole Highland County community as well as the rights of each individual citizen. It's easy to think of freedom as freedom "to do what I want." But the supervisors have reminded us that democratic freedom also includes freedom to be responsible for my actions and to seek the good of the whole body.
Highland County is so small that every citizen can know each supervisor on a first name basis and know the issues the board is considering. That is true in no other place where I have lived. I cannot imagine the same percentage of citizens that attend a board of supervisors meeting in Highland even being able to attend a similar meeting in a much larger county.
I believe that is why issues can become so controversial here. The size of the county and the structure of the community permit everyone to be involved in the political process. Everyone knows and has an opinion. Every decision seems so personal. While it can be a very emotional and demanding process, it is also a privilege and opportunity that few residents of more populated areas can easily exercise.
Everyone can participate in this community's civil life. That privilege is far more essential and fundamental than any problem or controversy, and must be exercised with care and gratitude.
Public life in Highland County is a remarkable and rare example of American democracy at its best. It's a fragile gift that all citizens of Highland County need to hold dear, guard, and cherish. I thank Mr. Blagg, Mr. Rexrode, and Mr. Sullenberger for being good models of that for us.
Bill Cox
Monterey, Va.
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