The Environmental Journal of Southern Appalachia
Monday, 07 April 2025 10:08

Editorial: Despite the rhetoric, responsible growth is a bipartisan goal

Written by Coffee County for Responsible Growth

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Coffee County is under development pressure, but it’s not a political fight

This editorial was provided by Coffee County for Responsible Growth, but applies to planning and development debates throughout the Southeast.

MANCHESTER — We keep hearing the claim that land protection, conservation, and zoning are “liberal issues.”

Let’s set the record straight: That’s simply not true.

Protecting Coffee County’s farmland, water, infrastructure, and rural way of life isn’t a political talking point — it’s common sense. And it's deeply bipartisan.

We’ve got Conservatives, Republicans, Democrats, Independents, and Libertarians all standing together. Not because of party lines — but because we love where we live, we recognize the importance of agriculture, and we value community. 

Conservation isn’t partisan.

-Clean water, safe roads, and preserved farmland for our kids and grandkids isn’t partisan.

-Expecting developers to follow rules and pay their fair share isn’t partisan.

-Supporting local farmers, small businesses, and emergency services isn’t partisan.

Today, we even got called a RINO by a local Realtor — and honestly, If caring about working fire hydrants, safe neighborhood roads, and reliable water lines makes us RINOs, go ahead and throw us in a zoo. We’re guilty! Guilty of caring about taxpayers getting stuck with the bill when developers cut corners on culverts that don't properly drain, or diverting water flow causing flooding to a neighbor's land, or digging up cemeteries without a care.

What people need to remember is strengthening these amendments isn't 'overreach'. It’s good governance. And it’s what responsible growth looks like.

In general:

-Conservatives value agriculture, fiscal responsibility, and protecting local heritage.

-Liberals emphasize environmental protection and sustainable development.

-Libertarians defend personal freedoms, including freedom from intrusive or poorly planned development.

So if someone tries to divide us with left vs. right nonsense — remind them:

This isn’t political. It’s practical. This is about preserving what makes Coffee County.... Coffee County.

This is about standing up for our community, TOGETHER.

And the ONLY people who are standing in the way are the ones profiting in some capacity.

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Last modified on Monday, 07 April 2025 10:29
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