Earlier this year, Knox County Commissioner Thom Collier assured the public that the voices of our townships would be heard regarding the issue of industrial solar fields. He stated clearly that "any township that wants their township to be in an exclusionary zone should forward their resolution to the commissioners no later than February. We will hold a public meeting and allow any township to be an exclusionary zone if that is the preference of their constituents."
Yet here we are, well past February, and despite 18 Knox County townships and the City of Mount Vernon passing resolutions opposing large-scale solar development, that promised public hearing has not taken place. The inaction of our county commissioners is in sharp contrast to the prompt response seen in neighboring Stark County, where commissioners voted unanimously to prohibit large-scale solar projects in most unincorporated areas. This decision was made after 14 of the 17 townships in Stark County expressed their preference against such developments.
The commissioners' failure to follow through on their commitment is not just a broken promise—it is a betrayal of the democratic process and the trust placed in them by the citizens of Knox County. The townships have spoken clearly through their resolutions, and the residents they represent have voiced serious concerns about the impact of industrial solar projects on our farmland, environment, and local economy. The Ohio Power Siting Board is already moving forward with hearings on the Frasier Solar project, further underscoring the urgency of holding the promised public meeting.
Moreover, this issue is not merely about solar energy; it is about respecting the will of the community and ensuring that local government remains responsive to its constituents. The commissioners' continued inaction raises troubling questions about their priorities and their commitment to serving the people who elected them.
It's time for the Knox County Commissioners to fulfill their commitment and hold the promised public hearing without further delay. The residents of this county have a right to have their voices heard in a formal setting, and they should not be forced to wait any longer. The example set by Stark County demonstrates that it is possible to listen to the people and take decisive action. Knox County must do the same.
By holding the public hearing, the commissioners can begin to rebuild trust with the community and show that they are serious about representing the interests of their constituents. If they continue to ignore the will of the people, they risk further alienation and the erosion of confidence in our local government.
The people of Knox County deserve better. Let’s make sure that the promises made to our townships are kept.
