As usual, Commissioner [Harold] Bost is thinking first of what is best for the majority of citizens in our county, not what is best for a select few. We are lucky to have at least one person in our local government who thinks this way, and who is willing to stand up for our rights.

Dave Hamrick's column indicates the benefits of industrial growth. Unfortunately, for every "pro" they bring, new industry also brings a number of "cons."

Industry does contribute to the tax base, but their demands on county services counter much of this benefit. Increased demands on our police and fire services, increased traffic on our roadways, increased risks of pollution; when you take everything into account do those additional tax dollars make it all worthwhile?

Are new jobs something that benefit residents of Fayette county? I don't have any scientific data, but I would bet that a large portion of the jobs created by industries that have recently come to the county are filled by those living outside the county.

Yes, those individuals may end up spending money at local businesses, but the traffic gridlock created by all these out-of-county commuters makes it a nightmare for county residents just to get from one place to another. Once again, does this "benefit" outweigh the negative aspects?

I would be interested to hear what types of incentives were given in order to lure new business to the county. I have seen other cities spend millions to lure new business when the tax dollars generated would take many years just to get them back to the break-even point. A foolish investment in my mind, one that I don't want my tax dollars to be a part of.

Keep up the good work, Commissioner Bost; make certain that you do your research on this and make sure that your fellow commissioners do what is best for all residents of our county.