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by James McConnell

I've been the clerk of our township for nearly 10 years now. Oops, that's not exactly correct -- due to state legislative decree, the official title is now township fiscal officer. Regardless of the title, it has been an interesting experience, and I have been educated in ways I never would have anticipated. Some of the most enlightening things I've learned are about NIMBYs, BANANAs and NOPEs. Bear with me and I'll explain.

Like most of us who live in rural areas – in my case, a small township with less than 1,500 residents and 500 homes – I was aware of the responsibilities these officials have and the choices they make with limited resources. I have an uncle who served as a trustee and a brother who handled the zoning inspector job for many years, so I knew, more or less, what township government was about.

What I didn't understand was the complexity and scope of everything involved at this most basic level of government. The requirements for road and ditch maintenance, snow and ice removal and fire and ambulance service were obvious. I also knew the township maintained two cemeteries, a park, township hall and garage facility. I had a cursory awareness of the township's zoning regulations and how they were administered. I didn't, however, have a clue of what it actually took to keep up with all of those responsibilities and stretch a budget to cover everything.

More significantly, I didn't realize, especially for townships close to urban centers, as we are, what I think is the most difficult job facing township officials today – accommodating the expectations of recent urban transplants. Most of these new township citizens are great people who really appreciate the advantages of rural living. Most are willing to participate in township government by serving on zoning boards, helping with newsletters or township clean-up projects or by attending township meetings. Most of all, they recognize the accommodations necessary for the rural environment of which they are now a part.

There are a few among these new residents who seem to believe their new environment should include most, if not all, of the amenities they were accustomed to back in the city or suburbs. Fire and ambulance services are too far away and should be staffed full time instead of by volunteers. The rural roads need to be better maintained and, heaven forbid, if their mailbox gets damaged during snow plowing operations. Even though the neighboring farm was probably in operation a generation or two before the new resident was born, what a sin it is to stir up so much dust, work too late (or early) or spread manure too close to the weekend.

I've noticed most long-term township residents have been willing to accept the changes our township is facing. They have participated in land use planning and zoning update efforts in an attempt to make the most logical accommodation of increased residential and commercial development. Their expectations have been realistic and, even though most of them (including me) would prefer a return to the "good old days', they know these changes are, for the most part, inevitable.

Then there are the NIMBYs, BANANAs and NOPEs. These are the people who have found their little (or big) portion of paradise, want the gates shut behind them, and all further development to cease.

First are the NIMBYs (This acronym stands for Not In My Backyard). For a NIMBY, it is okay for cell towers, repair shops or even large livestock operations to be built in the township, just not in my backyard. NIMBYs can vary by degree, as well, depending on how they define "backyard." Some are only concerned with what they can see, hear, or smell from their swimming pool. Others don't even want to drive past the offending whatever on their way to get a pizza.

Next, up the scale of restrictiveness, are the BANANAs (Build Almost Nothing Anywhere Near Anything). These are the folks who seem to believe that such things as power plants, factories and shopping centers should only be built, if absolutely necessary, in the middle of nowhere (interpret nowhere as prime farmland) as long as it doesn't disturb a wetland or wildlife sanctuary.

Then, there are the NOPEs (not On Planet Earth). These are the folks who believe all development should be forbidden, even on prime farmland. It is usually impossible to engage a NOPE in rational discussion regarding any form of development. They will be certain theirs is the right opinion even if they have no idea of what they are talking about.

I didn't know what I was getting into 10 years ago. Those serving as township officials have more motivation than the financial compensation they receive. They must have a desire to serve their neighbors and a willingness to accept the changes and face the challenges coming to rural areas. I'm proud to be counted as one of the thousands of township officials in Ohio. Our jobs are not nearly as simple as I once thought. I've now come to realize township government is truly the purest form of representative government we have. It is responsive to the needs and desires of those it represents, even if they are NIMBYs, BANANAs or NOPEs.