Growing pains for Oakhurst

In our editorial today, The Fresno Bee editorial board supports a "yes" vote on Measure C, which would lead to the incorporation of a 13.1-square-mile area in Oakhurst. In meeting with both sides of the Oakhurst incorporation issue, it's hard to see how they are so far apart in their positions. Both sides seem to want what is best for the mountain community, and both sides seem to want to preserve Oakhurst's small-town charm.

Proponents of incorporation think that can best be achieved by self-representation and self-governance. Those against incorporation seem to think it's best to keep the status quo as far as local government, even though the current government -- the Madera County Board of Supervisors -- hasn't particularly looked out for Oakhurst residents' best interests over the past 20 years. Rapid growth in the area has benefitted Madera County, which takes almost $2 million in tax revenue more than it returns in services to the Oakhurst community.

Residents of the area have two more opportunities to hash things out and hear both sides before they cast their ballots on Feb. 5. Tonight, opponents will present a forum (Keep Oakhurst Rural Coalition, 683-1868). Next Tuesday the Oakhurst Area Chamber of Commerce will hold a forum in favor of incorporation. Both forums will be from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Oakhurst Community Center.

(Photo by John Walker/Bee file: The boomtown of Oakhurst, no longer a sleepy mountain town along highway 41 and 49, is busy with shopping centers along its commercial corridor, where residents can't agree on the issue of incorporation of the city.)