In response to “it doesn’t have to be this way”

Date: Tue, 10 Jun 2008 06:39:11 -0400
From: Amy Bulbrook
Subject: in response to “it doesn’t have to be this way”

I am responding to the email titled “it doesn’t have to be this way”. Normally I try to stay out of the fray with things that may get me slammed, but this time I couldn’t. While I agree with the poster about the beauty of the county and people using their unique skills to create beauty out of obscurity, I do take issue with the idea that all things we need are within 15-20 minutes and if we really need them, to make a day of it with a friend.

I love this county. I love the unique nature of it and that I can see stars at night. I like that we have local unique stores and restaurants. On the other hand, I like being able to make as few trips as possible to get what I need which a lot of the time comes from larger chain stores.

I do combine trips when I can (have been since gas hit $3 a gallon). I also have 2 kids and another on the way, so “making a day of it” to do some things is not always possible. Does the poster have small children and if so, does this work for her? Not trying to be mean – just wondering how she can take two younger children for a “day” of errands and be successful at it.

I know that there is a lot of protest against coming development, and clearly I would be happy to have more options here for a multitude of reasons (yes, I know this is an unpopular view to most people), but before everyone continues the slamming, please keep in mind that this is a diverse county with a diverse make up of people (Heather already mentioned this in a previous post), who all have various reasons for their opinions. Even some people with young children are appalled at the upcoming McDonald’s, but there are plenty of us that are glad to have it as an option (just check the online BBS for that thread).

Please just keep this in mind with the posts as we debate the development coming. Not everyone is the same. Everyone feels passionately about why they want/don’t want something, and not all solutions will work for all people.

Thank you,
Amy