Dear Editor,
Ronald Reagan once said, “There you go again,” in response to his opponents’ half-truths and disinformation. In last week’s Eatonton Messenger, an editorial writer attempts exactly the same sleight of hand, telling part of a story in order to leave a false impression.
It is true the Board of Commissioners addressed the issue of Short-Term Rentals (STRs) in 2018, while I was a commissioner. It is also true that I requested the issue be placed on the agenda for discussion.
What the writer didn’t say is that I supported, and publicly argued for, strict controls on STRs and was outvoted on that issue by the majority of commissioners.
One person, however, who understands that issue well is (current Commission) Chairman Bill Sharp. You see, Bill was a member of the Putnam County Development Authority at that time and was very much in favor of STRs with little or no controls. He understood clearly my opposition to that position.
To be fair, Bill Sharp has been consistent, then and now on the benefits of STRs, arguing for higher maximum occupancies and more STRs, generally.
Congratulations, Alan Foster Putnam County
(Mr. Foster recently resigned from his position as Putnam County District 3 Commissioner – Ed.)