Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor,

Each February many of our local dental offices participate in the National Give Kids a Smile Day dental project. On this day, many students in Cherokee, Clay and Graham Counties are referred to local dental offices for free exams and dental services. This year was the 10th anniversary of the dental project and I would like to take the opportunity to thank the following dental office staff, school personnel and local volunteers who made this year a success: Dr. Edward O'Connor, Brooke Rogers, Angie Brooks, Sheila Carter, Dr. James Vollmer, Michelle Higdon, Tamara Mashburn, Jackie Trammel, Kelly Burch, Dr. Tom Mims, Robin Scionti, Jean Hakel, Debbie Free, Rebecca McDonald, Tabitha Hughes, Jill Hughes, Dr. Jason Shook, Laurie Shook, Deanna Elliott, Susan Cornwell, Amanda Rogers, Dr. Patrick Kelly, Janie Haney, Anne Longbreak, Fallon James, Ashley Brown, Melissa Crisp, Rhonda Cutshaw, Sondra Lewis, Shelley Bowman, Jimmy Moore, Joanna Atkisson, Tom Graham, Libby thigpen, Brenda Wike, Pat Postell, Mike Hodge, Teresa Wood, Melba Millsaps, June hensley, Treacey Tatham, Bob Swanson, and the Toothbus staff.

This project would not be possible each year without all the wonderful supporters of public dental health.

Thank you again to all involved, Lori S. Nicholson, RDH

Public Health Dental Hygienist

NC oral health Section

ZONING: NOT NEEDED OR WANTED

Each and every resident in Clay County must approach any type of zoning and land-use regulations with a great deal of caution, as not to arrive at a regrettable decision that benefits a selected few and penalizes the rest of us. Most advocates of County-wide Zoning and Land-Use regulations believe this is the only solution for the many problems our County is facing. However, almost all research regarding zoning and land-use restrictions indicates it simply does not work. Residents of Clay County must examine the facts carefully in order to determine who actually benefits from these regulations before supporting any zoning and land use regulations.

In 2005, Chief Economist Randal O'Toole conducted a nationwide study on the impact of landuse programs in 300 different areas throughout the United States and concluded those penalized the most were the low-income families and first-time homebuyers, while it provides windfall profits for wealthy homeowners. The 2005 report conservatively estimates that land-use regulations have added 5.5 trillion dollars to the cost of owner-occupied homes, with added annual costs to homebuyers at 275 billion dollars. This figure excludes costs to renters, and purchasers of commercial, retail and industrial property. According to data supported by the study, of the 300 areas studied with land-use regulations, homebuyers paid an average additional cost of $100,000 per home as a result of zoning and land use regulations. Regardless of the demand, the cost of building is controlled by several factors: materials costs, labor costs, land costs, and last but not least - State & County Government costs (i.e. zoning and land-use regulations). Once Counties implement land-use regulations, the cost to build new homes in that County increase dramatically and again, low-income families and first-time home buyers are affected most by additional construction costs required to comply with zoning and land-use regulations. Advocates for zoning and land-use restrictions must also take in account the per capita income for young families in our County is among the worst in the state. These additional costs as outlined in Mr. O.Toole's 2005 report, would make homeownership unaffordable for many based on this simple fact alone.

Public confusion about land-use regulations is common as most residents are simply not aware of the full implications of these restrictions until after the fact. Residents of Vance County, North Carolina for example, contend that most of the countywide zoning regulations were done in secrecy without public input. The total cost to create the ordinances and implement zoning was $458.000; however, many Vance County residents estimate the amount at 1 million dollars.

The 112 page Zoning ordinances implemented in Yadkin County North Carolina provides the best insight in advance for residents that may not understand the implications of County wide zoning. It would be inconceivable to imagine that residents of Clay County are willing to sacrifice their property rights as did the residents of Yadkin County after reviewing the 112 page ordinances adopted by Yadkin County Commissioners. Progress is not defined by discouraging homeownership and limiting property-owner rights with more regulations, certifications, applications, restrictions, licenses, fees, fines, ordinances, and permits. Stanford University Economist Thomas Sowell summed it best "the real effect of these land use programs is to deny homeownership to low-income families, those already inside the castle have pulled up the drawbridge so that outsiders can't get in."

Tommy Green Brasstown N.C.

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