Bakewell Mountain Community Thanks Commissioner Fairbanks - And Response (2)

  • Friday, January 20, 2017

The residents of Bakewell Mountain want to formally thank Commissioner Randy Fairbanks for standing up for our community in protecting our property rights and families. He personally made several trips to our properties and homes to see how the proposed gun range would affect our daily lives with noise, traffic, and a decrease in property values.

Sometimes the little guys need someone to be on their side, and he came through for us. We understand that he is facing criticism for his vote, but he knew the facts of this matter, based on the current county zoning law, and voted what was right instead of what was popular.

We need more people of this character representing the people of Hamilton County. Thank you, Commissioner Fairbanks for not bending under pressure from the big money guys to build this range in our back yards.

We can't voice our gratitude enough about how you have changed our lives by helping us. We rallied our community together, gathered petition signatures from all over Bakewell, to show that we did not want this in our community. Thank you for actually listening to us.

We would also like to thank the other commissioners who voted based on the facts and for coming out to our properties to see for themselves how close we would be to this nuisance.  

Ashley Clayton and the Bakewell Mountain community 

* * * 

As a taxpayer, home owner, and property owner within Hamilton County, I would like to express my extreme gratitude and praise to the members of our County Commission. Their 8:1 vote to decline the Bakewell gun range was both within the law and what is ethically correct.

Politicians have to often choose to disavow the will of the people. It is unfortunate that Mr. Fairbanks and other commissioners are blasphemed on social media by uninformed individuals. The quality of life and current land use by the residents and property owners has been preserved. 

God bless and praise our commissioners.

Harvey N. Anderson 

* * *

My hat really goes off to Commissioner Randy Fairbanks on this one.  

I honestly was very excited about the thought of this range. I felt, as many did, what a great draw this would be. I wanted to see if I still could hit a long distance target.  

However, there was one thing I hadn't thought of. I began to think how I would feel with this range, as isolated as it is, in my backyard. I wouldn't like it one bit, I can tell you that. Others might not mind, but we don't all have the same opinions.  

I cited this as an example to a friend earlier today:  Let's say we need a new landfill. And the only viable option was adjacent to your house. All the voters wanted it, and it was very popular. However, that land you live on has been in your family for generations. You're telling me you wouldn't respect his decision to stick up for you when everyone else says your opinion doesn't matter?

I looked at the overwhelming support on Facebook for this range though. These folks even had a website I think. It was incredible. So, our commissioner was faced with a choice. Listen to the overwhelming majority and railroad these poor folks. Or, he could do what he was elected to do, and be their voice on the County Commission. Even when it wasn't the popular thing to do. That right there takes guts folks, I don't care who you are.

Great job, Randy. Thanks for sticking up for those families. Now, I hope we can find a suitable alternative location, because it's still a fantastic idea. 

James Berry
District 1 Resident

Opinion
Democratic View On Top State Senate Issues - March 18, 2024
  • 3/18/2024

Campbell bill seeks to save lives by studying suicide trends in Tennessee 3 p.m. Senate Regular Calendar — SB 1787 , by Sen. Heidi Campbell, would require state health officials to produce ... more

The Odor Of Mendacity - And Response (2)
  • 3/16/2024

The Fulton County judge, Scott McAfee, overseeing the Fani Willis prosecution of Donald Trump and eighteen other defendants has spoken. In response to a motion by defendants to remove Willis ... more

Capitol Report From State Rep. Greg Vital For March 15
  • 3/15/2024

General Assembly confirms new Tennessee State Supreme Justice Members of the General Assembly confirmed the appointment of Mary L. Wagner to the Tennessee Supreme Court in a joint session ... more