Re: “Groupthink”

Thanks for writing about this.As someone who has made comments and written articles about the GPU process over the years, one of the recurring complaints from the realtors, builders and HUM CPR representatives has been that the process didn't encourage open public participation and I can't remember how many times I've heard the complaint that the three-minute limit on speaking was intended to prevent the public from speaking its mind. Now the folks who made those statements are very happy to turn everything over to a small, self-appointed committee that has no public process at all. I don't know exactly why the environmental and smart growth people are participating except perhaps in hope of saving some of the requirements that would ensure a more sustainable future. But elections have consequences and the voters chose to elect a majority of board members who do not believe in smart growth, who see planning as something effete and dangerous. When Supervisor Bohn says that market forces is the proper planning mechanism, he is telling the truth and expressing the majority opinion on the board. In answer to your question, a great deal has been lost, including our ability to control out own communities and our own future.