Over the last several years, I am sure you’ve heard the phrase “elections have consequences” from all points on the political spectrum.
I think it’s clear that this applies strongly to Sparta during the upcoming election.
If you have been following the issues in town, you will recognize that we are confronted with the possibility of a mega-warehouse, perhaps better termed a trucking terminal, with associated threats to our water supply and further congestion of our roadways.
Many citizens are fighting diligently to keep this from happening.
I think it is essential that the town council members have very strong and clear positions on these issues and do not hesitate to make those positions known and active in their proceedings.
Another associated issue is congestion on Route 15. This must be controlled and further traffic increases minimized.
Again we need forthright outspoken persons on council who would not hesitate to make their positions known and work aggressively in that direction.
You may know that our master plan is 40 years old and is about to be updated. This is the means whereby we develop the roadmap for our town’s evolution, leading among other things to zoning ordinances, which enforce those zones and uses on proposed developments.
Once again, there can be little room for wavering in pursuit of our town’s future within the constraints of applicable laws.
The master plan update must be a priority
Over the last 2+ years, I have witnessed the current candidates for town council in action on boards or as witnesses or speakers on other occasions. In my view, there are two who come to the fore as completely forthright, unintimidated, and forceful in presenting and defending their views.
Mark Scott and Marjy Murphy can be counted on to be steadfast in pursuit of what is best for Sparta. They are outspoken and credible and we need their powerful voices on the town council.
I strongly suggest that you cast your votes for Mark and Marjy and in doing so secure a bright future for our beloved township. Let’s ensure that this election has the optimal consequences.
Michael Devine
Sparta
Editor’s note: Devine is a former mayor of Sparta.