Security was ridiculous

Dear editor:

Last week I attended the first hearing about the proposed county zoning change. I was astounded by the amount of city and county law enforcement cars and personnel there!

I joined the line of people going inside the building, was told very nicely by a couple of folks they would have to look inside everything, so I put my bag (with water and medications) and oxygen on the table.

My wallet was on its strap over my shoulder. Another woman indicated she would need to see the wallet, so, okay, I handed it over and even, when she handed it back, pointed out that there was another zipper pocket in it, which she checked and then returned. She said she'd have to "wand" me so I raised my arms and said in amazement, "Is all of this really necessary?" At which point she snarled back -- and "snarled" is the only word for it -- "YES IT IS!"

Why couldn't she have been as nice and polite as the folks at the table? She could have, just as easily, smiled pleasantly and said something along the lines of "Yes, ma'am, I'm afraid it is." (Although, WHY it was necessary, I surely don't know.) There was absolutely no call for her to speak that way to a frail elderly woman who can't even breathe on her own! What did she think I was going to do? Bite her with my false teeth?

None of these people were in uniform, by the way. I wonder why I just automatically did what they told me to. But there were uniformed law officers of different types outside and guarding the halls on the way to the restroom.

I heard many loud voices for quite a while from my seat in the commons room before the hearing began. I don't know what was going on in the foyer then.

The whole thing is shocking, like out of a nightmare. Seems like somebody is afraid of something. Should I start to be afraid of "peaceable assembly?"

I really believe in and encourage people in attending public hearings, city council meetings, and all the other important things in our community. But to treat the public this way? It's discouraging -- rather than encouraging -- the public to participate in their own community.

And what about all the overtime pay for the officers from at least two if not three entities, and their many vehicles (I think I saw well more than half a dozen varied law enforcement vehicles). And, so what if there are people on two sides of an issue, anyway? Isn't that the purpose of public hearings -- to allow voice to all sides of an issue? Before a decision is reached, hopefully.

Some years back, if I recall correctly, the commissioners "misread" a grant they'd received (I suppose). When it said "Block Grant", they evidently thought it said "Glock Grant," and promptly went out and bought themselves three handguns -- Glocks -- which they carried on their persons! (I seem to remember the guns were taken away from them eventually or something, but I swear! Guns?!)

Honestly, I don't know what's worse: Armed county commissioners or The Law out in way, way too much force.

If the commissioners are to represent the best interests of county residents, why are they afraid? I am starting to feel about the county commission as many others do, and it makes me really, really sad.

But the public still needs to participate in the community, and not be frightened away. I'm not. I'm going back on the 22nd for the next hearing.

Billie Jean Harter