Kitsap County shoreline coordinator Rene Beam says these interim changes won’t affect existing residents who have no plans to change their property. Don’t get too comfortable with that. Even if what she says is true, pray you don’t have to repair or replace your septic system, or a building damaged by fire, water or a windstorms.

Please don’t miss attending these meetings. You can find the schedule on the county’s web site www.wa.gov/kitsap. You must stay angry about this. Even if you don’t feel your property will be affected. Property rights are under attack — someone else’s property today — yours tomorrow. And please don’t fall for Ms Beams “everything’s going to be all right” quiet demeanor. It is not alright! And don’t fall for the “best available science” and “peer review” mantra the County is heralding. There is no such thing!

Ms. Beam tells us that waterfront property owners have responsibilities too. We know that, Ms. Beam. All property owners have responsibilities. Property owners have been responsible stewards of the land long before the word environment was a buzzword.

When the State or Federal government tells Kitsap County to jump — our county commissioners say “How High?” Recognition in the Federal Register is more important to them than protecting your constitutional rights. You have a chance this year to replace two county commissioners. Also, let your state & federal elected officials know that you send them to Olympia and Washington D.C. to make the laws, not to relegate that duty to State and Federal agencies who are accountable to no one. These bureaucrats are in the process of the most outrageous land and power grab in the history of this country. Are you going to let them get by with it?

Vivian Henderson, Director
Governmental Affairs/Land Use
Kitsap County Association of Realtors.