Report from the State Planning Commission Meeting
Thursday, January 19, 2012 at 1:52PM Environmental Advocacy Groups Well-Represented
On Wednesday 1/19/2011 four members of the Bayshore Tea Party attended the monthly meeting of the New Jersey State Planning Commision. These meetings are open to the public and allow limited time for comment by all attending. The meeting agenda revolved around the State Strategic Plan for Development and Redevelopment. Most of the meeting was dedicated to procedural matters, but some details were discussed.
When the time came for open public comments, two BTPG members spoke. On the other side, three environmental advocacy organizations had speakers. They were known to the commission by first name, and they appeared to be experienced and regular speakers before government hearings.
Nor were they bashful. One of them answered the BTPG speaker by describing advocates for homeowners and property owners as "extremists" and raised the specter of "unfettered development." Since "fetter" means to handcuff, to chain, or to lock in leg irons, he clearly meant that the right of property owners should be bound in chains.
We need to anwer these people every time they appear at a public hearing. We need to have people in numbers to counter the regular appearances and professional style that they bring to bear on our government. It is, after all, our government.
Please see the schedule of public hearings and find one that you can attend. If you can attend more, so much the better. And keep your eye on our calendar and the calendars of our anti-Agenda21 allies. We are planning meetings, rallies, and education.