[Rhodes22-list] Tom's Quest for the perfect spot...

[Tatflies at cs.com]

Thanks Ed,

As the President of my local Park District, it is clear that politics is a 
challange even on a micro level. Congress is definately not in the cards for me. 
However, I will continue to support the preservation of our rural areas. The 
latest "smart growth" principles indicate more dense housing and more open 
space. Sprawl is good for no one.

The local governments who appreciate the added tax base of new housing are 
usually short sighted. The costs for supporting the new development quite often 
outweigh the increased revenues. Referenda are commonplace around here to 
support schools, municipalities, parks, libraries, fire departments, police, etc.

My advice is to apply some water to the fire that seems to always be raging 
in the belly's of the developer's! Slow it down and analyze the long term 
effects of growth. Analyze the value of undisturbed shorelines. Analyze the value 
of trees, water and open land.

I am not an economist, however I do like natural settings. Government 
protection of open space seems essential to keep it open.

btw, we have looked at many lakes so far, and we will continue to search for 
nirvana. Something will appear.

Tom T.