Actions That Would Make ’08 Great

Last year was a time of change in Nassau County.

The county administrator and county attorney both departed, the administrator after controversy.

An unpopular county gasoline tax was repealed. Concurrency reform passed.

But not all of those changes were positive.

And, perhaps even worse, there was a lot of unfinished business at year’s end.

Here are some things we would like to see in 2008:

– Get moving on a coherent waterfront plan for Fernandina Beach.

There has never been a clear sense of direction on the plan; at one point, it was changed five times in a year.

The overlay approved this spring was mystifyingly inconsistent. One area, for example, was exempted from “view corridor” rules to save a warehouse.

At the least, some questions need to be answered: What’s the goal? What’s the cost? And what’s the point in doing all of this?

– It would take reams of newsprint to give even a brief outline of ongoing efforts to solve the solid waste disposal problem. This has gone on long enough. No more studies. Make 2008 the year a real decision is made on the landfill.

– Nearly everyone says traffic congestion is one of their biggest concerns.

Yet widespread public opposition doomed the gas tax, which had been imposed to pay for road work.

A way must be devised in ’08 to pay for the roads that everyone knows are needed.

– A tough tree protection ordinance, much more stringent than the one now under consideration, needs to be passed. And it should include stiff penalties.

The tree canopy is part of what makes Nassau County, particularly the island, breathtakingly beautiful.

It’s bad enough when a property owner cuts one or two trees on his property.

But it’s unconscionable if developers “clear cut” lots.

Some trees must go to make room for the houses and to get building materials to them, of course.

But massive cutting despoils natural beauty and hurts property values.

– Finally, more people need to get involved.

Run for office. Seek appointment to a board. Tell officeholders how better to conduct the public’s business. And, of course, vote.

But first, get informed. Then, stay informed.

Don’t complain. Do something to make this an even better place to work, live and raise a family.

And have a happy, productive, prosperous year.

(c) 2008 Florida Times Union. Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning. All rights Reserved.