The tentative Burleigh County comprehensive plan has arrived. But I feel they have overlooked several things.

"The general rule at least is that while property may be regulated to a certain extent, if regulations go too far, it will be recognized as a taking." (Oliver Wendell Holmes, U.S. Supreme Court justice)

A plan must be very clear about landowners' rights. The area people will not accept the loss of their rights and freedom of the land. Without full and fair treatment of all, the comprehensive plan will fail. The old way was to deny, discourage, disapprove or delay possible urban sprawl by any means possible. Instead, the future should look at assisting, approving and advancing urban growth.

Subdivisions as urban growth are very clear in Burleigh County. Many 40-acre plots are present only because two-acre or four-acre or smaller acreages were not available. It is obvious when driving north on Highway 83 that a lot of land is being wasted on 40-acre plots.

There are some appointed members of the Bismarck/Burleigh Planning Board who would like to take away people's land rights. It is strange, because our forefathers and thousands and thousands of men and women have given their lives to protect our freedom.

Abraham Lincoln said it right: "Accustomed to trample on the rights of others, you have lost the genius of your independence and have become the fit subjects of the first cunning tyrant who rises among you."

People should pay attention and go to the comprehensive planning meetings. They shouldn't stay home and give up the rights to the land they are standing on. I'll see them at the meetings.