City Keeps Farmers Market Shut Down on TechnicalitiesHeather Callaghan In June, we reported on a David and Goliath fight between a longstanding farmers market in Mount Jackson, Virginia and the city. It was a nonsensical decision on the city councils part to require the market operators to cough up $15-20,000 to pave a lot that had been used successfully on gravel for years. For the sake of aesthetics. (Note: city councils are hurting their own economies for the sake of cookie-cutter appearances) It was literally Pave or Get Out. So the market sued, not for monetary means, but as an injunction to stop the shut down and allow for time to repave. A catch-22 like this for the market could mean permanent shut down. The filing did require damages for the loss in operation funds, not by their own doing. In July, the market reported: Boo-hoo. The city is shooting itself in the foot financially by not allowing the market to operate and continue restoring value to an abandoned building they purchased. Hey why dont they use part of those Economic Development Authority funds to actually help their citys economy?? Because they are not actually intended to help small operations or the city or the residents. See my hint at the end. The market continues to reiterate the nonsensical injustice of allowing other business to have unpaved lots. Theyve even outed the hypocrisy coming from city council with their special exemption overrides for their personal pet projects. On August 8, the market had to attend a new hearing on a Demurrer (legal term for a pleading that objects to the filing). Unfortunately, the court sided with the city. Mount Jackson Farmers Market reports: The Judge dismissed the evidence we had presented, rightly so as it did not pertain specifically to the motion before the court. We now have 30 days to appeal. Meanwhile, on the drive home, we were greeted with all the examples of Mount Jacksons arbitrary and selective enforcement of the Codes. That aspect of our plight basically needs to go before a different court. Sometimes by losing a battle you find a new way to win the war. Donald Trump Without my disappearing down a giant rabbit hole would anyone like to weigh in on why bureaucrats everywhere seem to be in a coordinated, Borg-like effort to destroy the local economy, community assistance, and legitimate actions for townspeople to go green? Some city development and sustainability moves include getting rid of the homeless, banning the feeding of them, shutting down childrens lemonade stands, forcing residents to get rid of front yard gardens, tearing up community gardens, making it impossible to even offer free services and more. What does that sound like to you? Interestingly, they do this in the face of voter disgust, outcry and even national negative attention. Why?? Here is a HINT Please leave your comments and thoughts Visit 