County Council strays too far afield in CAO | Letters


January 24, 2012 · Updated 10:37 AM 

The San Juan County Council is proposing new rules and restrictions on property owners in the county under what they are calling the critical areas ordinance.

The current draft has evolved into a complex document listing sets of new restrictions encumbering both existing homes and undeveloped properties. Portions of nearly all private property in the islands will be restricted under a system of critical area designations and critical area buffers.

Unfortunately, the council is proposing rules and restrictions without identifying an environmental need or any analysis as to the cost of compliance for the property owners, or cost and difficulty of administration by the county.

The council majority has shown no interest in reporting how the new restrictions will affect the value of the newly restricted private property.  Also not addressed is the cost to the local economy, island businesses or jobs for working families.

The council majority appears to view private property rights as an arcane historical footnote that is simply a small obstacle to be overcome.

I am puzzled as to how some members of the county council we elected to represent the interests and well being of the citizens of our community could have strayed so far from what our citizens elected to do.

Craig/Jill Dorsey

Roche Harbor

 

 

Comment on this story.

COMMENTING RULES: We encourage an open exchange of ideas in our online community, but we ask you to follow our guidelines for respecting community standards. In a nutshell, don't say anything you wouldn't want your mother to read. Please see our FAQ if you have questions or concerns about using Facebook to comment.

So keep your comments:

  • Civil
  • Smart
  • On-topic
  • Free of profanity

We ask that all participants own their words by logging in with their Facebook account. It's a simple process that will take seconds and helps keep our comments free of trolls, cranks, and “drive-by” commenters. We reserve the right to remove comments from anyone using screen names, pseudonyms or false identities. Please refer to our Terms of Use for full detail on participating on our site.