In the 14 years I have lived in Fayette County, I have watched, in horror, our lovely community overtaken by commercial and residential growth which roads and schools are unable to support.

Lately, I've been perplexed as I observe land being cleared of beautiful old trees for more development. Instead of defacing the land, why not fill the empty stores all over the city?

Thankfully, in 1999, our city made a positive move with the adoption of a new land use plan. Currently, they are working on a stricter tree ordinance. This ordinance is essential, considering the rate developers are destroying our trees.

Wherever I go, Fayette citizens voice these same concerns. Consequently, I've decided to speak out about the runoff election for City Council between Clyde Avery and Bill Talley.

Mr. Talley is a banker working in Pine Mountain. As the chairman of Fayetteville's Planning and Zoning Commission, he was a major player in the adoption of the recent land use plan. Also, he did not vote, but instead managed the meetings and treated commercial and residential interests with equal respect.

He worked to strengthen tree, buffer and architecture ordinances which cost commercial developers more money but protect homeowners. If these ordinances are weakened, it would ultimately increase the value of commercial property at the expense of residential property.

Mr. Avery is a commercial property manager and broker. I believe if we elect Avery, there will be a clear conflict of interest. Is this not a bit like putting the fox in charge of the chicken coop?

I will be at the polls on Nov. 16 to vote for Bill Talley and encourage all concerned Fayetteville citizens to do the same.

Joyce Lester
Fayetteville

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