As a citizen who has been intimately involved with the County’s Critical Areas (CAO) update, I’d like to comment on a recent article in the Kitsap Sun, “Critical Areas Rules Back for Review” (7/7 Page A8).
Eric Baker, county staffer, is absolutely correct when he states staff has “…been holding small-group meetings to go over the ordinance, but no large information meetings are planned.”
The county has no intentions of informing and involving the public in this process. The Kitsap Alliance of Property Owners (KAPO) has submitted four written formal requests to the County Commissioners requesting open forums be scheduled to inform the public as required by law. Our requests have fallen on deaf ears! We are being ignored.
This second draft of the CAO is far more onerous than the existing ordinance or the first draft. Mr. Baker fails to mention that not only have buffers been increased, but seasonable streams that previously required no buffers now have buffer requirements.
Whether you support or oppose this ordinance everyone should and must support public involvement and understanding of these sweeping regulations. Call the County Commissioners at (360) 337-7146 or e-mail them today and tell them to schedule public forums so citizens will have the opportunity to understand them and ask questions. The commissioners e-mail addresses are: Patty Lent plent@co.kitsap.wa.us; Chris Endresen cendresen@co.kitsap.wa.us; Jan Angel at jangel@co.kitsap.wa.us.
Vivian Henderson,
Executive Director
Kitsap Alliance of Property Owners |
