As most everyone knows, in the last months, the City has been considering a request from a group of citizens seeking to allow residents in Harrisonburg to have egg-laying hens in the backyard.  This topic has generated more discussion than any other issue since I became mayor – by far!

Public debate is an important part of our political process.  Last night, council made a step to have an official public hearing on this issue.  To date, the Harrisonburg Backyard Chicken Project has presented their proposal, and there has not yet been an official public forum for the general public to voice their opinion.  July 28 will be such an opportunity.

I want to commend everyone who has expressed an opinion on this issue for their respectful and thoughtful words.  With only a few exceptions, people are remaining civil and respectful.  I hope and trust that this level of civility will continue as we move towards a public hearing on the topic July 28.  It’s likely that emotions will begin running higher as the decision nears, and that’s ok, as long as we stay civil.

So, what do I think?  Well, I’ve been listening and researching.  City council meetings, reports from staff, reviewing other cities’ ordinances, community discussions, lunch meetings, phone calls, emails, property tours, discussions with poultry industry folks and elected officials, sustainable living experts, impromptu sidewalk conversations, barbershop talk and more – all of this has helped shaped my opinion.

After all these conversations, I agree with most arguments in favor of allowing chickens, including the overall need to make lifestyle changes towards more sustainable living and that certain concerns about chickens are unwarranted.  That said, I am currently hearing a significant majority opinion against allowing chickens, based on a combination of concerns (some, admittedly, more founded than others).

To overturn public opinion, I must believe a moral imperative or value is at stake.  I do believe we have such an imperative at stake in terms of reducing our consumption of resources and energy in general, however I do not think the specific issue of chickens in Harrisonburg backyards meets my threshold for overturning what I think will manifest as a significant majority in the coming weeks against allowing chickens.  If I’m wrong, and there is majority turnout in favor of this, then I’d strongly consider voting for it.  So, your opinion counts.

I’m leaning against voting for chickens at this time and will remain open-minded through the public hearing on July 28.  We’ll announce the location shortly.  Please continue to share your thoughts with each other as respectfully and thoughtfully as you have to date.