Nehls’ change of heart
In all good dramas, at least one character has a crises of conscience, wrestles with his course of action and then reaches a conclusion that a change of heart is in order. As the Great Meadows Amphitheater saga continues its run, Fayette County Commissioner Ron Nehls has fulfilled this role. Nehls is the lead supporting player for Fayette Films LLC. The company wants to lease or purchase the long-dormant amphitheater and surrounding acreage in order to develop a film-making studio and tourist attraction. Although the county owns the property, the state years ago placed deed restrictions on the property that allows far too little development. The county is simultaneously asking state Sen. Richard Kasunic and the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources to lift the restrictions.
When a meeting date between the commissioners and DCNR was announced, Nehls said that he would not attend as Fayette Films was not invited.
An editorial suggesting that now is not the time for Nehls to exit the stage convinced him to attend the meeting. Said Nehls: “This has far too much potential for Fayette County for it to not at least be presented at that particular meeting. I know that I cannot do as good a job as a full-fledged representative of their company. It may not be as well done, but at least it’s going to be presented.”
Our point exactly.
Nehls should be congratulated for rethinking his earlier decision and reversing his direction. Too few politicians are willing to do so.