Church plan not compatible

Dear editor:

I have had the opportunity to read John Jackson's letter condemning Councilwoman Alain Isaac's stand on the outgrowth of the church and the parking issue. As a business owner, I need parking to serve my clientele. Jackson's letter does not mention that several business people in the downtown core have concerns over the parking issue, its negative impact on their business, and I agree.

The purpose of the downtown business area and core is for that purpose, running a business that contributes to the economy of the City of Mountain Home! The business core is not for a church, or its parking lot, and the City Council would be wise to disapprove this enlargement. They should have disapproved the other church that bought the former car lot, as that too is contrary to the business core of a city that needs a thriving business operation to advance its economic interest.

As I see it, there have been approximately eight to ten businesses that have either had to move out of the core or simply shut down as a result of this unwarranted expansion for church parking. How does that benefit the economic stability of Mountain Home? I'm glad that Ms. Isaac is concerned about the matter and is demanding that a proper study be made!

The decision needs to me made based on what is good for the community, not based on theology or just because "we've been here forever." It needs to be based on facts, not feelings. If we always look back and never look forward, there will be no progress. So, I'll be voting to retain Councilwoman Isaac in her next election because I believe she is making a decision to advance the city's core area for business purposes.

Terry S. Ratliff