Dear Editor,
During the six years we have lived in Putnam County, I have heard residents say that people are moving here because of what this community has built.
Honestly, I did not move here for a quarry. And I certainly did not move here expecting elected officials and the county manager to be focused on limiting public information, restricting citizen comments at commission meetings, sidestepping public notice requirements, and taking procedural shortcuts. Two of the quarry's supporters are new political figures, including Bill Vargo, running for the District 3 County Commission, and Charles Gray, running for Chair.
Shortly after moving here, I introduced myself to someone who turned out to be an elected city official. When I asked a few questions about potential improvements to the town square, the response I received was simple: "We want your money, not any suggestions."
That attitude reflects a deeper problem.
Too often, our elected officials and senior staff do not thoughtfully plan for growth and the changes that go with it, leaving the community constantly reacting instead of being proactive.
Meanwhile, county leadership makes no effort to inform the public. The explanation given is that the project is not the county's, so in other words, informing taxpayers was not considered the responsibility of our elected and appointed officials.
This is particularly puzzling for a county that employs a full-time Public Information Officer whose job description specifically includes communicating with the media and the public, also known as taxpayers. All the PIO needs is direction from the county manager.
I came here expecting a county government that respects and responds to its taxpayers. One where meetings are held in accordance with state law and county ordinances, where taxpayers are allowed to speak, ask questions, and receive answers, and where officials actively engage with taxpayers' concerns.
Putnam County has tremendous assets: a beautiful lake, a rich history, and remarkable museums. But if this community wants to be more than a pass-through or second-tier destination, the citizens of Eatonton and Putnam County must come together, decide what they want the future to look like, and begin electing leaders who will work for the citizens. However, we cannot currently depend on our elected officials or the county manager.
Like most others, I did not move here for a quarry.
Yet this issue has now been tabled until July 2 — at the applicant's request — just in time for the Fourth of July, when many residents may be distracted or out of town. By tabling rather than withdrawing and requiring a new application, the public will not receive the added notice that normally would accompany a new filing.
And that brings us right back to the problem. Process matters. Transparency matters. Respect for taxpayers matters.
Don Sadler, Putnam County