Both Commissioners Ellen Reckhow and Becky Heron spoke out clearly in favor of an independent survey of the lake's boundary before it is moved, but the other three commissioners voted in apparent disregard of the majority of citizens speaking out on this issue.

Months ago, a citizen petition gathered about 2,000 signatures calling for an independent survey. In August, the Planning Commission, a citizen body appointed by the Board of County Commissioners themselves, voted unanimously (12-0) to request that the commissioners not approve the rezoning before getting an independent survey.

But Commissioners Bowser, Page, and Howerton apparently dismissed the petition, the Planning Commission, and the large majority of citizens who spoke at the public hearing. Why, then, do we have a Planning Commission? Why should citizens bother to participate in decisions important to all of us, such as a public water supply, when the will of the majority makes no difference?

What next, besides a lake boundary, will be changed by a private developer behind closed doors despite required procedures and strong citizen opposition? What next now that this disturbing precedent has been approved by our county board?

Frances Kerr

Durham