Editor, The Smithfield Times:

I respect Steve Stewart’s decision to halt, at least for now, letters on national politics in the Reader Forum section of the opinion page.  

As Mr. Stewart wrote in his “Dispatches from Wharf Hill” on July 17, among his reasons is that those letters have to be fact-checked. On social media, we continually read some outrageous language and view photos that many people share and then spread, and at times I’ve even read posts that compare some of the U.S. candidates to dictators.  

We are Americans who should differ respectfully with one another on policies as responsible adults.  

Locally here in Isle of Wight County, we should all be concerned, using our voices, our opinions and our votes about all of the ongoing overdevelopment that’s contributing to the terrible traffic and to the lack of road infrastructure, particularly in Carrollton and in North Suffolk. 

Many of our beautiful tall trees are rapidly being razed and are disappearing on Route 17/Carrollton Boulevard. It’s sad because so many benefits come from our living trees. They provide oxygen, improve air quality, and cool the air, sheltering us from the heat while helping to reduce electric bills, conserve water, preserve soil and erosion, support wildlife and reduce flooding. Trees also reduce stress every time you view their beautiful majestic vision.  This vision is a reminder of God’s beautiful green earth that we are ALL supposed to protect and to be good stewards.

While it’s understood that growth comes, it should never be “overdevelopment,” which creates these terrible dangerous traffic jams daily now on Route 17 from the James River Bridge in Carrollton to North Suffolk.  

Growth plans should be smart, well planned and managed to include protecting plenty of our remaining beautiful tall trees, the marshes and open spaces for generations to enjoy and benefit from for years to come. Once they’re gone, they are gone!  

 

Elizabeth Coburn

Carrollton