Ever since the new invention of barbed wire made it to the western United States more than 140 years ago, there has been a debate in this country over whether private property can be encroached upon for the greater common good.
One need only look at the nation’s power grid and highway system to understand the necessity of gaining access to private property – in as fair a fashion as possible. Our country could simply not work without it.
Here in Lowndes County, the old debate is emerging again as Texas-based Southern Cross pursues its efforts to build a 400-mile transmission line for its wind-generated electricity across Mississippi. Of the possible routes, many are planned to go through Lowndes County and some landowners here are pushing back.
Although he has stated his support for the kind of energy diversity the Southern Cross plan is promoting, Brandon Presley, the Northern District commissioner for the Public Service Commission, should not be considered an agent for the company in this effort.
Since arriving on the PSC board, Presley has proven to be an unapologetic advocate of the people, often over the objections of powerful corporations whose interest in the bottom line sometimes conflicts with the interests of the people.
In this current situation, Presley’s role – at least at this early stage – appears to be that of a mediator and facilitator.
When landowners who were unable to attend the June 30 meeting in West Point with Southern Cross officials complained that they were being left out of the conversation, it was Presley who carried those complaints to company officials, insisting that those officials meet individually with landowners to share information and answer questions.
It is important to realize that the project is still in its infancy, planning-wise. The company has yet to present its planned route to the PSC. Once that happens, affected landowners will be afforded opportunities to make their voices heard.
No doubt, there will come a time when the route of the transmission lines will be debated, challenged, argued and, most likely, opposed.
But this is not that time.
It is the time for discussions and dialogue, for give and take, for exploring options and entertaining alternatives.
That, more than anything, is what Presley is advocating for now.
No matter the misgivings, landowners should take comfort in the knowledge that Presley takes seriously his role of serving the interests of the people of Mississippi as this project moves along.
We believe that his role will go a long way in reaching an amicable solution, one that the company, affected landowners and the general public will find acceptable.
The Dispatch Editorial Board is made up of publisher Peter Imes, columnist Slim Smith, managing editor Zack Plair and senior newsroom staff.
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