The process to revisit and amend the Comprehensive Plan for Jefferson County is underway. The Jefferson County Planning Commission apparently will be serving as the Citizen’s Advisory Committee to guide preparation of the plan.

Our organizations are disappointed in this approach because there are no women on the Planning Commission. Women comprise the majority of residents in Jefferson County. Excluding them from these discussions excludes a significant portion of our community. As active members of our community and strong advocates for inclusivity and gender equality, we believe it is essential to voice our concerns about the lack of female representation.

It is undeniable that women bring unique and valuable insights to the table. Their experiences, perspectives and concerns differ from those of men, and by their absence on the Planning Commission, which is guiding the planning process, we risk overlooking critical viewpoints. Furthermore, this exclusion sends a disheartening message to aspiring female leaders in our community, undermining their confidence and potentially dissuading them from pursuing positions of influence and responsibility.

We would like to emphasize that inclusivity is not merely a matter of fairness; it is a fundamental principle that leads to better outcomes. By incorporating diverse voices, we ensure that our community’s needs, aspirations and concerns are adequately addressed. Studies have consistently shown that diverse groups make better decisions, promote innovation and lead to more effective and sustainable solutions.

The planning process that resulted in the current Comprehensive Plan included a variety of residents representing different viewpoints, backgrounds and community interests. We are unclear as to why the Jefferson County Commission and Planning Commission are not following the same approach in this planning process. We urge you to reconsider your decision.

We urge you to appoint a citizen-based steering committee that includes qualified and passionate women who can contribute their expertise and perspectives to shape the Comprehensive Plan, ensuring its success and responsiveness to the needs of all community members.

We firmly believe that our community thrives when everyone’s voice is valued and included. By embracing diversity, we can foster a stronger, more inclusive society that benefits all of its members. We trust you will take our concerns seriously and take the necessary steps to address this issue promptly.

Thank you for your attention to this matter. We look forward to witnessing a positive change in creating a comprehensive plan advisory committee that includes women and other community voices.

Lanae Johnson, Jefferson County Democratic Women’s Club president and John Doyle, Jefferson County Democratic Association president