Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, March 5, 1992 TAG: 9203050473
SECTION: EDITORIAL PAGE: A-10 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE:
DATELINE: LENGTH: Short
The Roanoke County Board of Supervisors recently voted to take a neutral position on the 765,000-volt power line that Appalachian Power Co. intends to build through our territory. The Montgomery County Board of Supervisors voted to continue support for the "smart highway."
Most citizens of both localities seem to support these projects, or are so apathetic that they are unwilling to protest. It seems we will play out that old song: "You don't know what you've got 'til it's gone."
Doesn't anyone read or watch the news? Hasn't anyone heard of Los Angeles? New York City? Fairfax County? Other large urban areas have discovered that you can't build your way out of traffic congestion with new roads or into prosperity, with unlimited injections into the electrical power grid.
It's like drug addiction. You feel good for a short time, but it takes more and more to keep you feeling that way. Eventually, the health of the addict or the community goes down no matter how many chemical or "progress" fixes are taken.
The rational way to prevent traffic congestion is to drive less. The healthy way to keep electricity needs and supplies in balance is to use less and create alternative sources. Ride; don't drive! Conserve; don't construct! ROBERT K. EGBERT MASON'S COVE
by CNB