See, I really shouldn’t read these things. And then I do read these things and wish I didn’t, because I get so *&^$#@& annoyed.

And so here we have East Hempfield Township jamming on the brakes for this “Growing Together” plan, with the anti-growth supervisors saying that while East Hempfield has already agreed in principle to the ideas contained therein, and 10 other county municipalities are about to sign on, they’re concerned the plan would require East Hempfield to surrender too much authority.

Quoth supervisor Doug Brubaker:

“And forgive me for sounding parochial, but I to some degree don’t really care what the other townships think. I’m concerned about East Hempfield Township, first and foremost.”

Sure. And already, we’re hearing some applause.

But, the people who would applaud this sentiment tend to be the exact same folks who boo, very loudly, when some other municipality takes this approach.

You want proof? Take a look at the Crossings project, on Harrisburg Pike across from Long’s Park.

The Deisley farm, where this new shopping center would be built, is in Manheim Township. But it abuts East Hempfield Township.

And East Hempfield residents en masse think it’s horrible, horrible that Manheim Township would approach this issue in so selfish a fashion - that they wouldn’t think of the regional implications of what they’re permitting on the site.

Well - by Brubaker’s logic, why would they? And why should they?

The Deisley farm is in Manheim Township, but far, far away from the township’s residential base. Simply put - Manheim Township is going to generate tax revenue from that site without having to deal with any of the problems that might result. From Manheim Township’s perspective - all gain, no pain.

Of course, there may very well be pain in other townships - like East Hempfield.

But, switch the shoe back to the other foot. The “Growing Together” plan is predicated upon the 11 municipalities involved working together to manage growth. If East Hempfield officials declare that their needs are more important than that of the county on the whole - then they’ve got no cause to complain when the likes of Manheim Township does exactly the same thing.

Geez. Can we maybe be a little consistent here? Can we maybe understand that the regional approach may in fact require giving up a little autonomy, and if you’re not going to do that then don’t expect anyone else to do it and don’t whine when they don’t?

Can’t anyone here play this game?