Editor, Gazette-Journal:

The Mathews County Comprehensive Plan, with its varied references to such concepts and issues as the common good versus individual concerns, the necessity for public education, and regulatory controls, acquisition targets, etc., sounds rather ominous.

Within the plan, there also is an item that speaks to "encourage meaningful public participation in government through diverse forms of communication and a commitment to citizen involvement in public decisions." Unfortunately it appears that citizen involvement in local government is neither necessary nor desirable. Public interest and participation in a recent board of supervisors’ meeting was met with something less than enthusiastic support. As commented by one supervisor, the concerns expressed by the citizens were "shocking."

Again, the item within the Mathews County Comprehensive Plan that speaks to encouraging meaningful participation through diverse forms of communication ...