Valley Independent Sentinel

Joshua Kopac: Just Say No To Zoning Regulations

by Joshua Kopac | Shelton Planning and Zoning Alternate | Feb 6, 2012 5:40 pm

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Posted to: Shelton, Guest Column

A simple two letter word “No,” yields an unfathomed power.

As a sitting alternate member on the Planning & Zoning commission for Shelton, that word comes up often when it’s my turn to cast a vote.

The word serves as an eye opener to the fellow citizen who comes before the commission seeking approval.

It provokes thought, sentiment, and uncertainty.

Some offer the insight which implies I have the easiest job. I beg to differ on that particular critique. My volunteer position may possibly be the most rigorous one on the commission. Having to explain my position to constituents as to why I vote the way I do is no easy task.

When I vote no each particular instance, I am not voting no to the applicant. My no vote states I do not believe I should be dictating what you do with your property.

As a small business owner myself, I am a firm advocator for property rights, and the free market.

Currently we as a society (especially in the United States) go under the notion that while you “own” your property, you still have to get approval from a politician before you do everyday activities — such as add an addition, construct a shed, cut down trees.

Under that particular system, do you the property owner actually own your property if you need to seek approval for the most basic of tasks?

Before we know it, basketball hoops, and welcome home banners will soon be regulated! Currently only two towns in Connecticut have NO zoning laws (Bethlehem, and Eastford). Recently last election cycle, the Town of Eastford knocked down a proposal to have zoning laws by an astonishing 538 (80 percent) to 138 (20 percent). You may ask yourself why there was such a split in the voting results. What exactly do they know which made them vote the way they did?

Regulations are proven to hinder economic growth, lower the standard of living, and also raise prices of goods and services by making it more expensive to conduct business. Upon taking an oath to serve the people of Shelton to the best of my ability, I cannot in good faith go with the dangerous status quo.

I offer a different perspective on things, which I hope is refreshing. A statement is effectively made to each individual who walks before my counterparts and me. If I get just one person to think differently, I consider this short stint a success. I intend on continuing this column in the near future, and tackling some basic arguments I hear against my positions.

Click here to read a Valley Indy story on Kopac.

Joshua Kopac is a Republican serving as an alternate on the Shelton Planning and Zoning Commission.

The Valley Indy publishes guest columns with a 500-word limit. We don’t necessarily agree with the opinions expressed.

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