I swear I saw Cassandra on Oct. 7 at the China hearing about the purchase of lakefront property for public access.

Alarmists were abundant and equipped with an endless quiver of arrows. If you ever want to scare the bejesus out of people just talk about tax liability, a common ploy of politicians and naysayers.

It hardly mattered that concerned questions about the proposal were answered in the rush to find other fault.

The obvious was barely recognized, that China, as an enviable lake community, is largely defined by its recreational and economic opportunity. Many people use China Lake and businesses thrive as a result.

If you don’t believe that, check out the people lining the causeway on summer weekends between lakefront businesses and the Village.

The new bible of doubters is reference to the lack of a business plan, even though one was clearly articulated. It makes me wonder if our Founding Fathers had a business plan.

They had a plan all right but one filled with uncertainty and unanswered questions, I’m sure, but with astonishing vision. It resulted in the best place to live in the history of the world.

Let’s leave Cassandra in the pickerelweed and support the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to expand public access to China Lake and add value to business opportunities in our town. A better economic development plan is hard to find.

J. Gary Nichols

South China

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