More information necessary
There's no doubt about it: this city's elected officials have difficult, unenviable jobs facing them most of the time.
The men and women of the City Council and school board have to make decisions that are scrutinized and discussed by everyone in town. Being in the public eye can be difficult.
The people who serve on city boards also have a similar task — making the tough decisions that affect every person in Hillsboro.
Right now, it's the planning commission that faces a tough decision when considering the proposed walking trail.
Most people are familiar with the "Rails for Trails" debate that pervaded the area a few years ago. It stirred quite a debate, and emotions ran high.
The Linear Trail Committee isn't with Rails for Trails, and their goal isn't to have a rail trail connecting with other towns.
But the planning board now needs to ask some questions, such as:
— Who is the true owner of the former railroad corridor?
— Who will pay for landscaping the area, making it into a suitable walking path?
— What happens if the railroad decides to run track again?
— What kinds of rules and regulations would be in place on the trail? Would there be a curfew?
— What do adjacent landowners think?
There's no doubt that a beautifully landscaped trail would be a benefit for walkers and add attractiveness to our town.
But, as in all things, there are more questions that need to be answered first.
— JENNIFER WILSON
