Vision Dixie requires action thespectrum.com
Article published Jan 18, 2008
Last week the Vision Dixie implementation principles were introduced at the Washington County Economic Summit. For Vision Dixie to be successful, implementation of these principles is essential. The town of Springdale feels that local government leaders, especially the Washington County Commissioners, bear significant responsibility to demonstrate their support for the Vision Dixie principles by making decisive, difficult choices about future growth and development. The Vision Dixie principles were forged through a process of intense public participation and enjoy the broad support of Washington County residents. The town of Springdale embraces the Vision Dixie implementation principles. We are encouraged that many of the principles are already addressed in our general plan and zoning ordinance. We look forward to modifying our plan and ordinances to more completely implement the principles. However, in order for Vision Dixie to be successful, we know that implementation must involve more than adopting plans and passing resolutions of support. Effective implementation demands that Vision Dixie principles should guide every decision in the daily operation of local government. Implementation will require a momentous shift in the growth and development status quo in Washington County. Implementation will entail making difficult decisions and require significant trade-offs. As a town, Springdale is committed to making the changes and difficult decisions necessary for Vision Dixie to succeed. We invite all local government leaders throughout the county to make the same commitment.
In particular, we call on the commissioners to explain how their support of the proposed coal-fired Toquop power plant is consistent with their declared support of the Vision Dixie principles, one of which stresses the need to protect air quality. Toquop will significantly harm the air quality in Washington County. Support for Toquop is not consistent with support for Vision Dixie.
The commissioners have stated that they support Toquop to ensure cheap power in the region. What the commissioners need to realize is that implementation of Vision Dixie will require significant trade-offs. Implementing Vision Dixie is not something that can happen only when it is convenient, or when there are no competing interests. It will never be convenient to make the fundamental changes Vision Dixie calls for, and there will always be competing interests. If the commissioners truly want clean air, as Vision Dixie states, then they need to be prepared to oppose Toquop and accept the potential increased cost of power - which they grossly overestimate. In addition, they should be taking the lead on exploring ways to promote green power in the county. Conversely, if the commissioners care more about cheap power than clean air, then they need to admit that they are not prepared to fully embrace Vision Dixie.
Most importantly, we urge all residents of Washington County to hold local and county elected officials accountable for actively supporting Vision Dixie. Such support is best demonstrated by making difficult decisions that will promote a sustainable future, not by political pontification. Thomas Dansie, director of community development, on behalf of the Springdale Town Council and staff.
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