Is this what we want for Monticello?

If you read the front page of this week’s Express, you’ll read about some who are opposed to building new homes in the City of Monticello. 

During the first city council meeting of September, it was noted that the city plans to sell city-owned property off Diamond Drive. One of the interested parties plans to build a new home on the lot, a new home that would generate property tax revenue for Monticello. 

Since when are we against more money coming into our city? 

Look around. So many city projects would not have been possible without property tax revenue. City street projects would not be possible without this source on income. 

People talk about filling the gaps in our local workforce. That takes people. But we need reasons to attract new people to our community. More people equals more money spent in our city. 

One way to attract people is to have multiple housing options, or land on which to build new homes. 

Why should we stifle those who want to help Monticello grow in building new homes? 

The person who expressed interest in building a new home simply wants to move into city limits from the county. She wants to be closer to places in which she volunteers her time. The location of the city-owned property is adequate for her proposed plans. 

Aside from this incident, if you don’t attend city council meetings, you should. You should be an educated member of the community; you should know what your elected officials are discussing and voting on. You should know what ordinances and laws and decisions are being made. 

Along those same lines, you should also know why your elected officials and candidates for office stand for. They say they want to represent “you,” but do they align with your goals for Monticello? Do they represent what you’d like to see for Monticello’s future? 

Keep this in mind in November when it’s time to elect four members to Monticello’s City Council and Mayoral position. (K.N.B.)