Last night at the Waxhaw Town Hall, some quiet but powerful moments unfolded that should give every Union County resident a renewed sense of hope. At the latest meeting of the Western Union Municipal Alliance, two young citizens—Ella Adams of Mineral Springs and Joel Down of Wesley Chapel—stood up to speak to state Representatives David Willis and Dean Arp. The issue at hand: House Bill 765, a piece of legislation that threatens to strip local communities of their ability to manage growth responsibly.
Ella Adams, an aspiring teacher with deep local roots, delivered a compelling plea to protect Union County’s rural character. She spoke earnestly about the rampant overdevelopment eating away at our farms and forests, and about the undue influence of money in politics. Ella pointed out the deeply troubling fact that most of HB 765’s primary sponsors are not only recipients of industry donations—they also work in the very industry that stands to benefit most from the bill. “My family has lived in this area since before the Revolutionary War,” she said, and expressed heartbreak at seeing our farmland paved over for the profit of a few.
Click this queued-up video to listen to Ella:
Joel Down followed with a practical concern that resonates with taxpayers across the county: Why are citizens being forced to subsidize unchecked development? Joel asked the representatives what many have wondered—why doesn’t North Carolina allow local governments to collect impact fees from developers to offset the strain on public services, schools, and roads? It’s a fair question, especially when we see our infrastructure groaning under the weight of rapid, unplanned growth.
Click this queued-up video to listen to Joel:
What made these moments so powerful wasn’t just the message—it was who delivered it. These weren’t career politicians or seasoned advocates. They were young residents who care deeply about their home, and who are willing to speak out against policies that threaten its future. That’s not just civic engagement—it’s leadership.
HB 765 continues to draw concern from town councils, farmers, and citizens across the state who see it as an assault on local control and a giveaway to powerful special interests. The voices of Ella and Joel reminded everyone in the room that this isn’t just about policy—it’s about people. It’s about the legacy we leave for the next generation and the responsibility we share to protect the character of our communities.
If our representatives are listening, they would do well to take those voices seriously. Because those young voices are growing louder—and they’re asking all the right questions.