I live close to the proposed Lines Orchids project, though outside of Walden by a few feet. I have followed the saga. The development is highly controversial. That alone is enough to abandon the idea. Sure, everyone wants cheaper groceries, but when an idea is presented that causes division, conflict, anger, uncertainty, and pits the electorate one against the other that idea should be abandoned in short order and a more agreeable solution undertaken.
Politicians are always wrong when they choose to divide the people. We live in a highly divided nation right now due to inept politicians on both sides who serve themselves by putting the people at one another's throats.
I do not know Lee Davis personally but I know his argument and I know when someone is of the right spirit and knows it's wrong to solicit to his constituents an idea that divides them.
Mayor Trohanis is divisive. Lee Davis is conciliatory. I encourage the residents of Walden to vote the divisive man out and vote in a man who will bring people together. Lee Davis wants a plan that conforms to existing zoning requirements and under which both sides can agree. He’s got the insight to know the plan for a development on the Lines Orchid property is horribly divisive and for that reason alone it’s the wrong plan.
Stop this alienation of people. Enough of Mayor Trohanis and his divisive plea. Vote in a right-minded man. Let Lee Davis bring people together. You won’t be sorry. No one will be sorry.
Love thy neighbor, right? It would be wrong-headed to vote to re-elect a mayor who seeks to put neighbors and his constituents at each other’s throats. Vote instead to unify. Lee Davis will bring unity to all concerned.
David Saluk
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The Davis campaign is up to another use of a scare tactic and false information. Their inner circle of anti-development old-guard are pushing the theme that the proposed new Walden Village Grocery store will put Pruett’s out of business.
Let’s look at the facts. In less than the last two decades, Pruett’s has survived the addition north of the river, essentially at the foot of the mountain, a new Walmart supercenter, a Whole Foods more directly targeting its customer base, a Publix, and a value priced Aldi, all while flanked by a Food City.
Some in the Davis camp tout that while Signal Mountain and Walden are separate towns, we are one “community”.
And in addressing competition in our “community”:
Did Pruett’s worry about putting Walden’s wine and liquor store out of business when it added its wine department?
Did Pruett’s worry about the impact on nearby pizza restaurants when it added the pizza oven?
Did Pruett’s think about locally owned 517 subs, Southern Star and the SUBWAY when they added a full sub and sandwich bar?
With the number of Lee Davis signs at Pruett’s, we have to ask ourselves, is Lee Davis running for Mayor of Walden.. or Signal Mountain?
Heidi Wheelock
Signal Mountain