Editor’s note: Following is a statement read by Polk County commissioner Renée McDermott during the county’s Monday, April 4, 2011 meeting when she motioned to rescind the county’s previously approved resolution in support of the Rails to Trails initiative.

A few meetings ago, the Rails to Trails matter was brought up and a motion was made, without any advance warning, to rescind the Dec. 6, 2010 resolution that this board of commissioners had unanimously adopted. Commissioner Walker asked to see a copy of the resolution, to be able to consider the motion. No copy was available at that meeting, which was being held at the Green Creek Fire Station. We reasonably asked for time to obtain the resolution and review it before voting on it again. That was a reasonable request.
Interestingly, those who actually have a personal interest in the Rails to Trails question, people who live along the trails, apparently accepted that request and have waited and watched patiently while the matter was considered. I thank them for that.
Unfortunately, a few (who notably do not appear to be personally affected by the issue) have used Rails to Trails to wage a battle for political purposes. Having had some success at harming commissioners on a previous board by making false claims of the threat of using eminent domain, they have again raised its specter in an attempt to discredit currently sitting commissioners. There is no threat, and never was any threat, or chance, of using eminent domain for Rails to Trails.
Still, those who want to stir up political animosity in the community sow falsehoods in the hope of reaping distrust against those with whom they disagree on policy. That has proven to be a successful strategy in the past and it is being used again. That must stop. Both commissioners and all other citizens must not let that happen.
Just recently, the North Carolina Department of Transportation came to the county and asked that portions of two roads be removed from the public maintenance rolls. It was supposed to have been done some years ago, but the action did not get completed then. The petitions that the DOT provided the county clearly and specifically stated that only 300 feet of one of the roads and only 400 feet of the other road were to be removed from the maintenance rolls.
Nevertheless, someone approached homeowners on the roads and warned them that the commissioners were preparing to take the whole roads off the rolls. People were understandably upset and concerned. But it simply was not true. Luckily in that case, one of the property owners came to the county manager’s office and asked whether it was true. A simple look at the DOT petitions showed that it was not true, and that there was never any danger to the landowners.
That type of inquiry needs to occur in all cases when someone is making claims of others being out to harm them. Ask questions of those against whom the accusations are being made. Don’t simply take a partisan’s word for it.
In the past, commissioners who were accused of various wrongs stood silent in the face of false accusations. That is no longer an option. Too much mischief is accomplished when that happens. People have said this type of mischief must stop. Indeed it must. The way to stop it is for commissioners and other concerned citizens to shine the light of truth on it.
The Rails to Trails issue is, indeed, moot. Unfortunately it is still being used as a divisive political tool to the point of fanciful conspiracy theories being spread.
After having had time to study the terms of the resolution, having given it much thought, and to attempt to take away one arrow from the quiver of those who use falsehoods to further their political interests, I move that the Dec. 6, 2010 Rails to Trails resolution be rescinded.