Why I will be voting “NO” on township zoning. After much consideration, I want to share my views with all of my neighbors in Henry County. The problem with a yes vote is that you are approving regulations that have yet to be written or vetted with the public. You are allowing two township road board members, your county commissioner and a private citizen to draft and enforce rules and regulations that will govern your property without your input.
After attending last Mondays town hall meeting at the Delozier Building in Clinton, it became quite clear that several individuals who are promoting zoning have no knowledge what-so-ever of agricultural or state law. Despite the fact that state law prohibits townships, counties and health boards from regulating agriculture these individuals seemed determined to restrict farming operations regardless of the legal and financial repercussions to the township. Add to that, the desire by some townships to regulate residential building on your property, by creating an application process which will require their approval before construction can begin. This meeting made it very clear that these zoning laws are about much more than solar and wind companies.
As a road board member of Deer Creek Township, I’m not afraid to have the conversation and seek consensus among our residents on how to deal with large scale industrial land use, but the proposition before us on Tuesday does not achieve this.
It makes more sense for those who support zoning to work with their township road board to develop a plan that is legal, and can be shared with all residents of the township BEFORE they are asked to vote on it.
This election will have long lasting ramifications on Henry County. While there may be merit in the discussion of these proposals, a yes vote on Tuesdays does not achieve that.
Sincerely,
Shannon Cooper
Former State Representative
Deer Creek Road Board Member
