Challenges of growth are real

Re Jane Aitken's letter, 'Beware 'sustainable development' plans' (Monitor, June 13):

I join the author in encouraging all New Hampshire residents who value their individual property rights - as well as the character of the New Hampshire cities and towns that they love - to attend the listening sessions and meetings that will be scheduled by their regional planning commissions.

The challenges of growth are real. We can all think of New Hampshire towns that have grown well and retained their character, and others that have not. If we want our towns to remain vibrant and attractive, we should study what those towns like Exeter, Peterborough and Meredith have done well. In some cases the answer is not regulation or spending but the repeal of zoning regulations whose unintended consequences have encouraged business to locate in outlying areas.

To reject Granite State Futures and other, related, worthwhile ventures because you don't like the funding source is like rejecting medical care because you don't like your insurance company. These are important decisions for our cities and towns. The more people who get involved and get educated about the issues, the better.

ROB DAPICE

Hopkinton