To the editor:
It has been disappointing to watch the recent accusations that our township supervisor is “stacking the board” through appointments to the Planning Commission as well as the upcoming appointments to the Zoning Board of Appeals. Just a few weeks ago, a Planning Commission vacancy drew little or no interest from the community. Now that additional appointments are being made, there is suddenly a wave of criticism. That contrast raises an important question: Is the concern really about the appointment process, and or about who is being appointed? In a small township, the pool of qualified residents who are willing to volunteer their time is limited. Appointing people who are willing to serve is part of the supervisor’s responsibility! Disagreement over those choices is perfectly fair, but disagreement alone does not prove wrongdoing. What concerns me is the growing attitude that if someone doesn’t share a particular viewpoint, they must have an ulterior motive or be acting improperly. That kind of thinking discourages respectful dialogue and community involvement. We should welcome objective thinking that serve the greater interests of the community, and residents who are willing to contribute their time and expertise to serve. Healthy communities, benefit from respectful debate and a diversity of perspectives, not personal attacks or political litmus tests.
Mariann Kirch Northport
