What does the Fayette County Commission consider open-minded listening?

My husband and I went to the public hearing on Thursday night to object to the new jail site. We understood from Commissioner Harold Bost that we were going to be listened to with “an open mind, and if there were compelling reasons he would consider a change.”

With a majority of people there to oppose the current site, it was compelling to see Fayetteville citizens and voters of today fill the room as to cause overflow onto the sidewalks.

However, before we, the citizens of Fayetteville, even had the opportunity to speak from our part on the agenda, it was stated that the jail was going to be built where it is currently proposed. This was not open-minded listening!

Linda Wells mentioned that it would not be right to change something that voters decided on 16-17 years ago. However, it is irresponsible not to listen to the citizens and voters of today!

It was mentioned that they are afraid a higher authoritative group may come in and tell us where and how to build our jail. From that standpoint, the board should know exactly how we (who have had no say in the matter) feel. It wouldn't feel right to have no say in the matter, would it, Commissioner? Possibly the board is afraid the jail may end up next to one of their homes without any regard to their opinion.

I don't have to state over again the countless reasons why we do not want this proposed location. With the hard work of certain citizens, alternate sites have been located. At this point, I want to know why this board is so dead against change, open-mindedness and a lack of feeling for what we want today (our interests)?

I personally would like to see us have the opportunity to vote on this issue again. Why not? It makes sense. If we vote today, we can take today's circumstances into account, not the circumstances of 17 years ago.

Marianna Acebo
Fayetteville

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