Zoning, going smoke-free are both hot topics

If you're interested in learning more about zoning and how it would work locally, then you need to attend an informational meeting Nov. 29 at the 4-H Fairgrounds Extension Building.

It's sponsored by the Greene County Farm Bureau Inc., and will start at 6:30 p.m.

It's obvious many are curious and concerned about zoning -- or some form of zoning -- making its way into Greene County.

We asked on our Web site the following question: For Greene County to move forward and attract new businesses, some believe zoning is a must. What do you think? ... and the results show Greene Countians believe some form of zoning is necessary.

The results:

* Yes: 34.7 percent.

* No: 32.5 percent.

* Some form of zoning is OK.: 20.0 percent.

* It should be left up to each individual city or town.: 12.8 percent.

The comments concerning zoning were varied.

* "It has to be a county-wide effort and it's long overdue."

* "Yes, we need some form of zoning to not only attract new businesses, but to control growth within school districts, etc., as well."

* "I don't need some elected (official) in Greene County to tell me what I can and can't do to my property. Look how they have handled the courthouse and that should tell you enough."

* "It is time for zoning in Greene County."

* "I think zoning is a good thing so you don't have a slum next door to your $150,000 home."

* "Being the township assessor, I can see both sides of zoning. There are good reasons to have it and not so good reasons. The people would be the ones to decide -- need to know what they are doing, and I do think it should be county wide."

* "Small scale zoning. Manufacture homes and business structure codes and designated areas need to be defined to protect city appeal and property values."

* "We need zoning now!"

* "What may be a good thing for one area, may not be in the best interest of another area. Let each city and town make their own decision on zoning."

* "I think it should be limited to commercial zoning."

* "They need to worry about retaining residents all over the county first."

* "That will only hinder the problems."

* "Look at the mess Owen County has, you just about have to have a permit to change a door knob!"

* "Comprehensive land use planning is a great way to protect our residents' property. Potential new business goes where they know they can protect their property as well. Without zoning we will continue to lag behind."

* "Zoning and building inspection/permits would greatly cut down on the way people live and construct homes/garages, etc."

* "We need less government control, not more zoning."

Let your elected officials know how you feel.

There have been many topics/polls on our Web site that have drawn a lot of comments. But none more than the issue of Greene County going smoke-free.

At one point I could tell you exactly how many comments were on the Web site about the topic, but I eventually quit counting. It was taking up too much of my time.

The number of comments certainly tell me that it's an issue city, town and county officials need to discuss and let Greene Countians know how they feel.

It's a topic that needs to be addressed.

The poll question: Should Greene County adopt a smoke-free policy?

The results:

* Yes: 45.6 percent.

* No: 54.4 percent.

Some of the comments:

* "Those who choose to kill themselves need to do it in the confines of their own homes and not out in the public area."

* "Calm down everyone: Let's try to change the world with positive role models and raise children with the wisdom and the willpower to make great choices for themselves. Let the adults continue to make their own choices and thank the good Lord that we live in a country that allows us the freedom to do so. 'nuff said."

* "Government intervention in personal choice is out of control."

* "Absolutely! We should all be able to visit places where we are not concerned about second-hand smoke. Smokers need to take other people's health into consideration."

* "Leave the smokers alone."

* "People have the right to smoke if they choose."

* "Including private clubs."

* "People that are smoking, they don't realize what it will do to your body as they get older. They will say 'why did I smoke so much?'. It's bad, very bad for your health. If you are (thinking about quitting) and you quit that's a good thing. Now on the other hand, if you don't quit you are in for some big trouble."

* "This isn't Bloomington ... always remember that these smokers and others keep your business going ... don't try to change Linton. It has been the same for years!"

* "No way. Are you crazy?"

* "Definitely. I think it's ridiculous that people should have to put up with second-hand smoke. If people want to smoke, that's fine, but not in public where it puts other people at risk!"