Wednesday community members were able to voice their thoughts regarding the purchase of the cement mill property along River Road in Shepherdstown.

The Jefferson County Commission has considered purchasing the land then handing it over to the National Park Service for it to maintain; however, in recent months, some commissioners have voiced their opposition. Finally, they are listening to what citizens have to say.

We hope commissioners truly take into consideration the citizens’ voices – be it for or against the purchase – when it comes to making a decision. It is important for them to remember who they are representing and what local issues are important to those constituents when they vote on this issue which has been pending for years.

Heritage tourism, economic development and preservation are especially important to citizens of Shepherdstown and Jefferson County. If buying this property could mean all of those things, perhaps using a portion of taxpayer dollars for purchase is the right thing.