BNSF opponents stood together to protect rural America

Lisa Everett

Submitted photo/Lisa Everett

Development

Maricopa County supervisors derail BNSF comprehensive plan changes

I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to every club, organization and individual who has given me the opportunity to speak in opposition to BNSF’s proposal to build in Wittmann, Arizona. Every voice counts, and on Nov. 5, I was blessed to represent so many of you before the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors.

BNSF believed their Comprehensive Plan Amendment would be an easy win. But the people of the West Valley proved otherwise. We showed up. We spoke up. And the Board of Supervisors listened. This is how good government works — when citizens participate, leaders listen, and decisions reflect the will of the people.

I am deeply grateful to Supervisor Debbie Lesko of District 4 and to each of the supervisors for taking the time to truly understand the concerns of the opposition. Issues such as traffic congestion, water usage, noise pollution, declining property values and diminished quality of life are not trivial. They define what it means to live in a safe, thriving community.

This victory was one vote, and we are thankful it went our way — but it is just one step in a long journey. There will be many battles ahead as BNSF continues to push for this project.

Our mission remains clear: to protect rural Arizona, to preserve the character of our communities, and to ensure that progress does not come at the expense of families, ranches, schools and churches.

Sacrificing rural America for the sake of “progress” is a price too high to pay.

Thank you to the citizens of the West Valley and to the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors for standing strong. When we stand together, we are powerful. When we speak together, we are heard.

Together, we will continue to protect the heart of rural Arizona.

Editor’s note: Lisa Everett is chair of the Arizona LD29 Republicans. Please submit comments at yourvalley.net/letters or email them to AzOpinions@iniusa.org. We are committed to publishing a wide variety of reader opinions, as long as they meet our Civility Guidelines.