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While the intentions may be good, I think it is irresponsible that a report from local activists is referenced and offered up as an authoritative study.

Born out of opposition to Wal-mart, this is special interest group that is, in part, responsible for some of the county's revenue issues. The "my way or the highway" attitude they bring works against those that are working every day to recruit good business. The letters, blogs and emails they write to companies that want to come here are full of demands and are unprofessional and create concern in the minds of those looking to invest millions in our county. There are companies that will not come here because they don't have the time or money to fight irrational, illogical behavior right now.

The group attempts to portray themselves as a group that is authorized to make demands and acts as it is an official body of the government. In reality it is an overgrown, our-of-control HOA for the south Forsyth area. Some of the commissioners have pandered to them and that has given them a sense of power that has only fed this monster.

I want the recreation center by our school but it is going to take businesses coming here and generating tax money and jobs to get it done. I encourage my neighbors to get involved in what is going on around us. This kind of group thrives because we don't pay attention. If they keep it up it is only going to get worse and our county will not be able to afford the things we want without huge tax increases.

Watch those commissioners that give them the undeserved and unofficial authority and email them when you see it happening. There are a few - or 1, 3 or 5 - that allow this special interest to control our destiny. I am sick and tired of politicians that trade votes for my future.

Thankfully, in response to our Big Creek Watershed report, the County agreed that it needed to do its own official study using the powerful resources of its GIS Department to determine the extent of this problem. I believe the results of this will be released quite soon. SGFC remains hopeful that in addition to this official study, that the County will also seek to develop mechanisms to manage the impact of the impervious surface restriction. This is of particular importance to attracting additional business -- land owners and developers, who wish to build within the watershed may end up unable to do so due to the restrictions and SGFC believes we need to have a plan to deal with this.

As always, SGFC has sought to encourage the County to achieve an appropriate balance between growth and impacts to our quality of life. As our involvement with Lou Sobb Honda showed, long term commercial development can be realized without sacrificing those quality of life protections which the citizens have fought so hard for, and codified, in our Unified Development Code.

It is our fervent hope that the kinds of companies that seek to move here, the 14th wealthiest county in the Nation, will be those who are respectful of our quality of life -- as these qualities are expressed in the laws, and the UDC, that guides the growth of our County.

I agree wholeheartedly with Ms. Clifton, people need to get involved, pay attention, engage their Commissioners, their HOAs, and make their voice heard. SGFC is only one of a number of organizations seeking to help citizens do just this.

I strongly urge Ms. Clifton, and all the readers and citizens to stop by and sit in the next SGFC meeting, which will take place at 7:15 PM, Tuesday, December 15th, at the Chamber of Commerce, in Cumming, and to observe the kinds of issues with which we are routinely involved. I suspect folks would be pleasantly surprised. While we did begin with an effort to place the Walmart on 141 in a better commercial location, our focus has broadened to embrace issues affecting our entire County. We look forward to your involvement, with SGFC or any other organization representing citizen and community interests in our beautiful County.

Best Regards and Holiday Wishes to All.

Robert Slaughter Founder and Managing Director Smart Growth Forsyth County, Inc.

How about that! Smart Growth Forsyth -- the PAC that hires convicted ex-felons to moderate political debates -- and has up till now been the most anti-property rights group in Georgia is suddenly concerned about property rights. Wonder why?

Shela,Bob,Dale, my neighbors,

The funny part of Smart 'Dumb' growth is, they had the majority of the voting population helping elect the weakest of the weak. A HUGH movement with no direction. Vern. The convicted felon Jerry involved with locked up Bill Campbell.Its a shame because most SGFC r very educated but dumbed down with the ME ME mentallity, Dont cut down the trees and dont build a road by my house. They forget,They moved into the finest growing county in the U.S.. Smart Growth can b smart. They need 2 come to the commissioner meeting on the "17th" and get involved like the other poster talked about.

And by the way, There is a way to get water to Lake Lanier from the Tennessee Basin if anyone wants to here it. Please NOTE: I have the info. If you all stay silent, your property will be done in this county ..

If nobody wants 2 know what I have ---- you will be doomed. Count on it. I can afford to move out, you. Ts.

At this point I consider the :Dumb Growth: mentality 2 b wacked out. It aint working....tsweeney@mail.com