20060831 KDDC So just what is Frederick Commissioner Lennie Thompson for?

So just what is Frederick Commissioner Lennie Thompson for?

Writing in The Tentacle, columnist Roy Meachum asks the question: What is Frederick County Commissioner John "Lennie" Thompson for? We certainly “get it” by now that he is opposed to growth and development in Frederick County. But what is he for?

Which brings to mind a combination of words that really resonated with me; John P. Snyder, also writing in The Tentacle wrote a piece on August 24^th, 2006 entitled, “Election Year Over/Unders;” in which he said: “385. The number of times Kai Hagen, this year's Ron Sundergill, will blame "the developers" as some sinister enemy of all Frederick county residents. Developers are merely the conduit between the demand and the people, fueled by government policy that regards home ownership as a good thing and families that want a nice place to live. Ditto Lennie Thompson.” (my emphasis)

Anyone familiar with my writing is aware that I have also had enough of the houses - the congestion and the erosion of our quality of life, but any conversation that personally demonizes real estate professionals and developers is a non-starter with me.

Developers only follow the laws as set forth by government and if folks don’t want the empty, non-productive farm to be developed, then don’t zone it in a manner in which it can be developed.

Or – better yet, work hard to promote the vibrant sustainability of agriculture in the county so the farm will continue to be more valuable than a development.

You cannot take someone’s property rights by plebiscite.

If you want to maintain the beautiful view from your house, then purchase the property and maintain the view yourself - for the greater benefit of the community.

We certainly have this dynamic in Carroll County and it just leaves me cold. Folks that have moved into the community and they are now against everything.

Although I have met Commissioner Thompson on several occasions, I do not know him. The several times I had a chance to speak with him, he was certainly pleasant. However, Mr. Meachum asks questions for Frederick County voters…

Mr. Meachum begins his column by saying:

“No politician in the past 20 years has more clearly established what he is against. John "Lennie" Thompson opposes growth. He considers all developers devils incarnate.

Not without exception.

Together with fellow Commissioner Jan Gardner he urges voters to elect again David Gray, although Mr. Gray is himself a developer. The former board president does not deny he subdivided and sold property to build new houses. He quibbles only over details that cannot be proved, either way, by him or his critics.”

Please find the rest of the column here: “What’s Lennie for?”

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