Love or hate him, all agree Joe Rutter's got a tough job

County Planning and Zoning Director Joe Rutter didn't flinch when the question was asked. And there wasn't a hint of apology in his tone when he answered.

Why did he stop letting the public attend meetings between developers and county officials?

"These subdivision review hearings (are) only … my staff meeting with an engineer, talking (technical) gibberish for only a few minutes, and it's over," he answered flatly from the front of a crowded meeting room in Harwood. "It is not a public meeting, there is no opportunity for public input. It is an exchange of technical information."

That's the kind no-nonsense answer...