Citizens should speak up

In the article by [Charleston City Councilmember] Boyd Gregg titled "Property Rights," Mr. Gregg points out the precedent of property rights laws, which are important to all of us. This is certainly a legal analysis worth discussion. However, when laws do not represent the needs of the community, citizens should speak up. 

Developers do good things and are needed to help areas grow with housing and infrastructure. 

But they also do things that are not in the best interest of communities like over-building. They build, they deliver, and they leave with their pockets full of gold. 

Charleston is a prime example. Everywhere you look, our city, beaches, forests, historic communities, and salt marshes feel their impact. As Mr. Gregg accurately states, SCDOT and our legislature own some responsibility in not doing things quickly enough to ease the traffic congestion and safety concerns. 

As we approach the 250th celebration of our great nation, let us remember what "We the People" are celebrating. Government is good, but when laws that do not represent the people in a community at large, citizens should speak out. Our founding fathers thought so otherwise we live in a monarchy where laws cannot be changed. 

Alan Garner 

Daniel Island