Vivian said the sky was falling and it was — but no one would listen until now!!! In your article Charles Simenstad says, “I wouldn’t want to say that this is like rocket science with known trajectories. This is all somewhat speculative.” It is scandalous to restrict our property rights on something speculative and without real science to back it up and then charge us unbelievable taxes to boot!

We have some questions for the commissioners that need to be publicly addressed so that the property owners can give informed input. We live 40 ft. from a shoreline, as do many other waterfront homeowners all over this county, who bought with the intention of building after retirement. If our home burns down, are we going to be able to build it again in the same place? Our property would not allow us to build 100 feet from the shoreline and still have room for our house and septic system.

Using the county’s new rules, homes would not be allowed to be built on these properties. Will these homes be “grandfathered?” Is the county going to reimburse all of us for “taking” our property in the name of salmon? Who will buy property that is no longer “buildable?” You leave too many unanswered questions before you can expect citizens to comply with these rules. We desire to save the salmon but at what expense?

If public input will be gathered according to Commissioner Botkin, why aren’t the meetings conducted when the public can attend? Meetings at noon on a Tuesday preclude the working person from attending! !As for public input, they were very restrictive on public input at the salmon meetings at Givens Community Center. And all meetings with National Marine Fisheries Service need to be open to the public. What are they trying to hide from citizens with behind closed door meetings when these subjects effect citizens so greatly?

Jean Bulette
Bremerton.