THE GROW AND POLITICS. Emily Bonilla’s strong showing against well-seasoned Commissioner Ted Edwards, primarily riding the wave of opposition to the East Orange County development known as The Grow, highlights the delicate balance in the urban/rural debate. It is worth noting that the project, with a revenue-generating farm, community gardens and restaurants serving locally grown produce, is a unique and timely contribution to that debate. The goal of local sustainability is always economically rational in any setting, but particularly so when integrated with onboarding new families. Without downplaying the sensitivity of this political issue, or the well-intentioned opposition, it is worth noting that it would be inappropriate social policy to reject wholesale development, when not all developments are created equally.