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.
Bravo. Well said. We need more of this in government on every level. Too bad it will probably never be allowed to last. Less government control means more opportunity for the many.
Holy crap, someone who actually got elected is saying the same thing I have for years.
It is unconstitutional for a municipality to tell private business owners how they manage their private property. Period. It’s against both the letter and the intent of that document.
Though I have to ask… if you hate the policy, why are you voting no on things? Why wouldn’t you use the vote to accept everything instead? Am I understanding your position correctly?
From my understanding the two towns you speak of still need to conform to State zoning laws and anyone can defer to the State zoning laws to the distain of local Government.
I completely agree that Government needs to take a more passive roll in private property rights. We don’t need this BIG BROTHER NANNY STATE!
Kudos to Mr. Kopac! This is the kind of person we need in our municipalities and eventually in higher government. This country is far from free and when we beat our chests to that drum think back to this story and what freedom truly entails! Glad to have you serving in Shelton, keep up the good work!