Salute the Unpaid Watchdogs
While attending one of the many recent public work shops and hearings on the Sarasota County Apoxsee update, I was appalled at the public apathy shown by the lack of attendance. Here is an issue that will affect all Sarasota County residents, now and in the future. During these sessions one does not get a vote but you get a say, an opportunity to influence how the future path of the country’s growth will affect you and your family.
Due to the enormous influence of one’s contribution to the policy-making procedures, these meetings are primarily attended by two specific groups. First are the attorneys, representing developers and land speculators. The second group consists of conservation and environmental organizations, primarily the Sarasota chapter of the Sierra Club.
The attorneys, who are extremely well paid (and rightfully so), speak for entrepreneurs who stand to gain great financial wealth from the decisions of our planning and county commissioners, and this is fair. However, while the lawyers are compensated for their long hours, the environmentalists must surrender their earning hours to prepare and present points of views that benefit all county residents. They receive and expect no monetary compensation. Yet they relentlessly seek changes to enhance and preserve our community for the use and enjoyment of all.
I applaud the unselfish contribution of time, resources and efforts by this handful of individuals.