To the Editor:

Next week, voters in the town of Knox will decide which candidates they want to represent them in the town government. One serious consideration they should keep in mind is the issue of business districts.  So far, the town board has established one marginally viable district, in the hamlet, but it has opposed the creation of any additional districts.

The planning board has taken the lead in opposing the establishment of additional business districts in the town, but its members’ numerous arguments against their establishment do not hold up under serious examination. Nonetheless, some members of the town board have accepted the planning board’s recommendations. The members of the planning board are, of course, appointed by the town board.

Thriving local businesses add to the character of a community, provide jobs, help pay town taxes, and help the town to grow. Towns are much like trees; if they don’t keep growing, they begin to die. The town of Knox stopped growing decades ago. The zoning ordinance instituted in 1974 effectively ensured that only residential development would occur in Knox.

Establishing business districts in the town will “set the table” for entrepreneurs to start and grow businesses that fit in with the town’s rural character. Adding such opportunities for local employment can only benefit the town.

Our country was founded on the idea that each of us had certain “unalienable rights,” among them life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Another key right is the right of property, the right to use one’s property as one sees fit provided that use doesn’t interfere with the equal rights of others.

Knox’s zoning ordinance takes away that right with respect to businesses. Are you happy that the town government decided to restrict your rights in this regard? Do you even know why the town government did this? Are you happy with the result?

On Nov. 7, consider which candidates for the town board can see the whole picture and are best able to support responsible growth while maintaining the town’s rural character and agricultural heritage. If you do, I think you’ll return Vas Lefkaditis as your supervisor and elect lifelong town residents Ken Saddlemire and Karl Pritchard to the town board.

Ray Hand

Knox