Scorched earth (July 8, 2015)

The Daily Press correctly identified a problem that exists with the proposed seizure of Apple Valley Ranchos by the Town of Apple Valley, in that citizens are awash in conflicting information and don’t know where the truth is (Residents, ratepayers wonder who to believe, Daily Press, July 2, 2015). I wish you’d gone the next step and asked why the Town of Apple Valley adopted the scorched earth policy that created this sorry situation in the first place.

Despite its claims to be trying to purchase Ranchos (which as everyone must now know is not for sale), the Town has employed every manner of distortion, obfuscation, and half truth in its campaign of sowing fear, uncertainty, and doubt among its citizens. This is not the approach a rational person (or group) takes when seeking a collegial resolution.

Instead, the Town is acting as though the only outcome it will accept is total domination by any means necessary. In the event its hostile takeover fails, the Town can content itself with having left Ranchos with 22,000 angry customers.

This approach is so far beyond the pale that it is rarely seen in civilized discourse. No wonder citizens are confused.

Greg Raven is Co-Chair of Apple Valley Citizens for Government Accountability, and is concerned about quality of life issues.

Published: Daily Press

Published: Citizens for Government Accountability