| I-933 is a deceptive initiative. A closer look reveals unintended consequences for all of us. The initiative requires taxpayers to waive the laws for some people or pay them to follow the law – regardless of how it affects you or me, our pocketbook, or our quality of life. This is a terrible initiative and should be soundly rejected.
I-933 will cost us hundreds of millions of dollars and that is before we even decide to “pay or waive.” In addition, this initiative mandates that any costs of administering the law, including attorneys’ fees connected with the claim, be paid by taxpayers – you and me.
This initiative comes at high cost with no funding source. How high will our taxes have to be raised or what services would have to be cut?
No fees may be charged for processing claims so no staff could be hired. The time required for this activity would have to come out of current agency (state, county, and city) staff work. Who will do this work? Will permit applications for already legal uses be set aside? How much will this slow down the permit process?
I-933 is poorly written and leaves many questions unanswered. We know it will cost a bundle, but how much? We know that some people will be exempted from the law, but whom? And who gets to decide? I-933’s confusing and unclear language would require extensive litigation to sort out, creating uncertainty.
|
Be Informed!
If passed, I-933, which is being sponsored by the Washington Farm Bureau, will impact land use, property rights, land use legislation, permitting, environmental regulations and rule-making in our state in a monumental way.
The Kitsap Peninsula Business Journal urges our readers to become informed on this important issue before it comes to a vote of the people in November. We present these two opposing views on I-933 as a way to educate our readers, and we strongly encourage you to get a copy of the initiative and read it in its entirety before making a decision.
Readers can find links to the Initiative text at:
www.propertyfairness.com
www.westsoundconservation.org |
Did I mention that I-933 is retroactive? It rolls back laws on any property to at least 1996; some argue that date is only on specific items. It is also so extreme and sweeping that it includes all “private property” and is defined as “real and personal property — including but not limited to —.” What will this mean to restrictions on things like cars, RV’s, stocks, bonds or insurance policies? All forms of private property.
Just a few years ago, the community of Manchester came together to discuss development plans for their neighborhood. They enjoy great views of Mt Rainier, the sound and Seattle. These concerned citizens pressed for protection of this asset. As a result, Kitsap County Code includes a view protection overlay zone with building height restrictions for Manchester Village. Will I-933 destroy this community protection? That would be shameful.
Arbitrary and unpredictable land use decisions would lead to expensive lawsuits. This would create additional uncertainty and risk would be increased for homebuyers and the development community. How could you predict what would be built next door? Appraisals would be difficult as zoning laws could be selectively applied. Who would decide? Investors and homebuyers would lack confidence.
By increasing poorly planned development with substantially higher negative impacts — such as traffic, pollution, and inefficient use of infrastructure — I-933 will harm the quality of life that makes Washington a great place to do business and attract business.
We should not spend money undoing the work of citizens’ efforts to protect their neighborhoods. Nor should we spend years and money clearing up the legal meaning of such a poorly written initiative.
Diversion of scarce resources from community needs like better roads, fire protection, and education or raising taxes to promote irresponsible development is the double-edged sword of I-933. It cuts businesses and taxpayers both ways.
Please Vote No on Initiative 933.
(Editor’s Note: Tom Nevins is a member of the Kitsap County Planning Commission which has an advisory role to the County Board of Commissioners and the Department of Community Development.). |
