Subdivision regulations: Better late than never
The Monongalia County Commission has considered the adoption of subdivision regulations on and off for 50 years. For decades our fast-growing county, one that has serious topographic and infrastructure challenges, has needed such regulations to provide minimal standards for subdivision development in the unincorporated areas of the county.
Unfortunately, the county commissioners in office at those times never adopted the regulations. Had such regulations been adopted 20, 30 or 40 years ago, then many of the county’s residential subdivisions would not be plagued with substandard roads, infrastructure and storm water drainage issues as they are today. The primary reason subdivision regulations have not been adopted to date is because the county commissions have always caved-in to the strong opposition by local land development interests, an influential force in local politics.
The County Commission is once more considering the adoption of subdivision regulations, culminating the most recent effort, begun in 2013 by the county Planning Commission. That commission has worked with local land development interests and others, listened to concerns and developed a draft set of subdivision regulations that are reasonable and balanced; while complying with state code requirements.
Nevertheless, we are once again seeing representatives from land development interests lobbying against the adoption of the regulations. They often use the argument that such regulations will add to the cost of housing and reduce the affordability of housing.
Would it not be better to pay a little more for one’s home to ensure that the subdivision in which it lies is designed and constructed properly, and not be prone to impossible or expensive-to-fix infrastructure issues later? Furthermore, the “affordability” issue is often a red-herring argument intended to distract from the real concern of some of the developers, which is that subdivision regulations will add to their requirements and oversight and perhaps reduce their profits.
Let’s hope that when the final proposed version of subdivision regulations comes before the County Commission later this year, that the commissioners will have the courage to put the good of the county and its citizens first and at long-last adopt these much needed regulations.
Donald Reinke
Morgantown
Union workers fighting
to save American jobs
The United Auto Workers have been on strike since Sept. 16. They want General Motors to increase wages, maintain health care benefits and stop exporting jobs to Mexico. Another major issue is GM’s use of “temporary” workers — those working alongside regular employees, some for as long as five years, earning far less in wages with few benefits and little job protection.
By fighting for worker safety, healthcare for working families and decent wages, unions like the UAW, the UMWA and others helped create the middle class. As union membership has dwindled, so has the middle class.
Many Americans must work two or three jobs to support their families. Home ownership is out of reach for the average American. In contrast, GM’s annual salaries for its top executives range from $5 million up to $20 million for its chair. Its profits for 2018: $11.8 billion.
Union workers, like those at GM’s parts distribution plant in Martinsburg, want a more equitable share of these profits. It’s more than a matter of fairness.
The high levels of income inequality in our country today depress overall economic growth. This inequality has a negative impact upon each of us, adversely affecting the quality of life in our communities today as well as the future of our children.
The Monongalia Democratic Party believes no one should have to work multiple minimum wage jobs in order to support their family. We believe that working families should not have to suffer while top CEOs are paid millions each year.
We support the UAW workers and their families who are in the trenches fighting to save American jobs and maintain the middle class. If you want to save American jobs, contact GM (P.O. Box 33170 Detroit, MI 48232-5170). Let them know that you stand with those workers.
Kathleen Abate
Mon County Democratic
Executive Committee
Morgantown
