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Shelton Mason County Journal
Shelton, Washington
February 18, 1999     Shelton Mason County Journal
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February 18, 1999
 
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I00eaders' 00ournai: Pioneer failure County is trying Editor, The Journal. served in three wars. Editor, The Journal: Much of what has been written in the paper (including letters to the editor) concerning Mason County and its actions toward the Growth Management Act (GMA) may leave much of the populace believing that the county is doing little to comply with this state law. This impression is very wrong. Since this law was passed about 10 years ago, the county has been working diligently in time, money and effort to comply. This law was written in order to protect various types of land and resources. It was designed to be a "grass roots" effort for the citizens of each county which qualified as to population and/or growth rate to plan their growth in order to protect those ele- ments. The county commissioners formed an ad hoc committee in about 1990 of about 30 citizens representing as many different factions and geographic areas within the county. They also hired a consultant to help guide the ad hoc committee to reach compliance with the law while at the same time developing a plan that might be unique to Mason County. This committee went to various parts of the county gathering in- formation of local citizens. They developed several drafts. A so- called Draft 7 was presented to the citizens of Mason County again in several locations within the county. The citizens at each of the locations were very unhappy with the plan. The prevailing feel- ing was that this law did not suf- ficiently protect the rights of property owners and was too re- strictive. Back to the drawing board. The ad hoc committee was expanded to include planning commission members, county commissioners and other interested citizens, to develop the county comprehen- sive plan. The real dilemma is not necessarily just protecting the elements in the GMA, but rather determining the level of protec- tion that the citizens of our coun- ty feel is necessary and/or appro- priate. The county commissioners have a very difficult job trying to arrive at the level of protection. As an example, how extensive should stream buffers be in order to give adequate protection of the creeks and streams of Mason County? Some people think we need 200 feet on each side of a Class 5 stream which by defini- tion has no fish, flows only during the wet season and may be less than 18 inches wide. Larger streams to have wider buffers. Similarly, if an individual started a business operating from his home with one or two em- ployees and it gradually got larg- er with more employees progress- ing to his garage and then struc- tural additions to his garage, at what point is this enterprise not considered a small business? When must he close his facilities and move to the industrial area in the Shelton or Belfair urban growth area? The level of enforce- ment again is key. Unfortunately, after the county goes through the very public pro- cess of reaching a level of protec- tion, any one citizen can appeal that decision to the Western Washington Growth Management Hearings Board which, so far, is interpreting the law very restric- tively and does not weigh the level of public support (as do the commissioners). The hearings board members are appointed by the governor, do not live in our county, and we have no avenue to them or their decisions, except through the courts. Last year, the state legis- lature amended the law to tell the hearings board that they must give deference to the county plan unless a gross error or omission could be identified. The hearings board is apparently ignoring this amendment and continues to hand down rulings that insist upon very restrictive interpreta- tions of the law. This is a clear in- dication that they are operating beyond the intent of the law. I have just learned via the In- ternet that what appears to be a small segment of our citizens has received a $10,000 grant from the Bullitt Foundation to support le- gal fes associated with legal ac- tion against Mason County (info@bullit.org). How unfor- tunate that this small group with big money from outside the coun- ty along with a very restrictive hearings board can dictate regu- lations with which the majority of our county citizens do not seem ' toagree. , ........ Yes, the county commissioners can raise a "white flag" and yield to highly restrictive regulations in order to achieve compliance, but would the majority of county citizens be happy? Therein lies the dilemma of county officials as they try to work to reach com- pliance with GMA and to pre- serve some of our private proper- ty rights. Bob Sund Hoodsport Don't want mine Editor, The Journal: BB&R Partnership (Brix Liv- ing Trust, John A. and Jean Bishop, Paul E. Reid Estate) and Alpine Evergreen Company, In- corporated are proposing to create a mining pit out of 153 acres of our Mason County category 1 wetlands, in near proximity to residential neighborhoods and a small area lake. The fact that our. county officials are even consider- ing the proposal is deplorable. We as residents of the Johns Creek community, do not want to see the project. In a county planning document that outlines areas of environ- mental concern, it is clearly stated that the impact of this project on groundwater both in- side and beyond the site bounda- ries are a profound risk for the residents of this area, which lies adjacent to and immediately south of McEwan Prairie Road, west of Oakes Road and near to Rex Lake. Our water systems and our land lie within a highly critical aquifer recharge area as defined nance. In order to protect the public health and safety, prevent the degradation of groundwater aquifers used for potable water and to provide for regulations that prevent and control risks to the degradation of groundwater aquifers, Mason County has adopted standards for develop- ment in those parts of the county which have been identified as critical aquifer recharge areas. This is according to Pam Bennett- Cumming, Mason County land- use planner, in a letter written to Susan Postma dated March 21, 1997. Creating a "pit" and allowing mining in this area will have dev- astating effects on our water sup- ply and air quality and on wild- life. Not to mention the added traffic, noise and the threat of pollutants, the quality of our neighborhoods and the safety of our children must be considered. Restrictions on use or altera- tion of this site must be adhered to as the project site has now been determined to contain cate- gory 1 wetlands and these wet- Pioneer School District's bond failure by just 10 votes has prompted some limited research on the cause of its failure. Even when one allows for the "bad weather" that characterized that election day, there is no legiti- mate excuse for its failure. It becomes increasingly apparent that the absentee ballot voters have had a major impact on the bond's failure. Absentee ballots for the most part are used by vot- ers not wishing to brave the incle- ment weather, or are homebound through illness. Many of the seniors using the absentee ballots are "snowbirds" who apparently vote "no" and leave for warmer climates. There is certainly nothing wrong with avoiding bad weather but avoid- ing one's community responsibili- ty is another matter. An early is- sue of the absentee ballot prior to the voting day does not provide the voter the necessary informa- tion he needs for the bond's sup- port. Community responsibility and service doesn't end with re- tirement. For the reader's infor- mation the writer of this article is chronologically in his late 70s and a wounded combat veteran who The bottom line reality for Pioneer's bond issue voters is: • A previous generation helped pay for our education and another generation for our children and grandchildren. This is the old adage of "What comes around goes around." • If Pioneer School District does not build a high school at this time the non- or negative vot- ers default to Shelton for a school in which they will have no admin- istrative or curriculum control. The user tax will be greater than building a high school in the Pioneer School District which the Pioneer School District voters will eventually be forced to do. This means that we will be building two high schools at twice the cost to the taxpayer. • The need is critical, a build- ing site is available, interest rates are low, the factored cost of new construction is lower than the majority of school districts in Washington State thanks to the competence and administrative skills of Pioneer's school superin- tendent, board and staff. Bill Merifield Sr. Grapeview Monitor promises Editor, The Journal: Well, here we are, another leg- islative session, and just what are our legislators doing to fulfill their campaign promises? Representative Eickmeyer and Representative Haigh have had the distinction of being mentioned on KMAS as introducing legisla- tion that will bring jobs to the ru- ral county by channeling funds to the economic development coun- cil. Senator Tim Sheldon is the di- rector of that entity so I am sure he will be supportive. However, will money from one bureaucracy to another create new jobs? And just where are the jobs that need to be created? As a tax accountant, I can tell you that approximately 75 per- cent of .all,the W.- foTms:that were m ajed ,by a.aTy. 31 ,cae 'rom small businesses -business- es that employ less than 100 peo- ple. So, if your legislators want to help the local economy they will support small-business legisla- tion. Guess what? Democrats do not typically support small business; Republicans do. Here in Mason County there has been a less- than-typical reality. Senator Brad Owen, now lieu- tenant governor, was a great sup- porter of small business as is the current Senator Tim Shelton. Senator Sheldon's voting record on small-business issues is 100 percent in line with the recom- mended position of Independent Business Association, IBA, a small-business lobby. I saw the Democratic central committee chose Lena Swanson over Tim Sheldon in the election of 1997. Now that is the Demo- cratic party. We saw, however, that Mason County voters elected Tim Sheldon. Good move if you want to help small business. Now we have a new year with the Democrats in power. Just how supportive of small business will our representatives be in Olym- pia? Well, on February 9, IBA, that lobby for small business, held their 10th annual legislative rally in Olympia. At the end of the day there was a reception held in the Legislative Building 'dtid  aI[ the members of both House and Senate were invited to meet with their constituents. Guess who didn't come? Kathy Haigh and Bill Eickmeyer. Well, perhaps they were in a committee meeting. I'm going to wait until the ses- sion is over and check their voting records. You see, in the campaign one can say they are supportive of small business and the rural economy, but let's see if they know how to vote in keeping with the voters and not the party line. Everett L. Hughes Union No cringing so far Editor, The Journal: in. Your editorials are "right on," Some other things, beside sug- just like your jokes are. I enjoy gestive remarks in editorials, them, and can understand most make me shudder: of them. Also, they don't make me "I've just been laying cringe or shudder. Keep up the around..." What were you laying? good work! Eggs? Obviously, I'm from the old "He was just out doing their school where we brought our thing." whose thing? spelling books home and cried "Him and her went to town." over them, but went back to "Me and John live in there school to do it better next time. house." There weren't 40 percent of us on "She don't know where he's at." the honor roll - that was some- Hope you don't have to use the thing for the really smart ones to blue pencil on this! If you do, it's whom I looked up with awe. I the typewriter's fault. cherished my C-B± average, and Jeanne Saeger really felt happy when an A crept Shelton Support for Gays Editor, The Journal: maintaining the high standards and identified in the Mason County Interim Resource Ordi- What do you call a big- wig who has come down with the grippe? Influential. lands appear to depend on the Congratulations, Charlie Gay, of The Journal. shallow aquifer for their water re- on a wonderful editorial! ("We There will never be another , Henry Gay, but there is a Charlie gime. Have a Dream on racism Janu- Gay. Rick and Suzi Simpson ary 21). Shelton Thank you, Charlie Gay, for Jan Danfqrd Clipper Mills, California He'll be missed John Davis Tax Service Editor, The Journal. sorely missed. In spite of my con- John M. Davis, Enrolled Agent .'. 1^**^- -. 1,^ - .... --- stant bombardment of his editori- Member of NAEA Th, o .==.  ,== ,. =u,.,.;, • ...... 2119 Callanan Street We are traveling and news of at pages, t never naa cne pmasure Henry Gay's demise took time to of personally meeting the man... $helton--426=9648 reach us. My sympathies are of only his written thoughts, his hu- Specializing in Federal IncomeTax course offered to his family, but mor and his principled positions. Returns for Individuals, Estates, beyond that to the readers of The I am thankful I had the opportu- Trusts and Small Businesses. Journal, both his supporters and nity. By appointment. his detractors. No matter our feel- Gordon Personius ings, Mr. Gay was a defining force Union for the community and he shall be ,, BY GEORGE, IT'S ALMOST KWANZAN FLOWERING SPRING FLOWERING PLUM FLOWERING CRABAPPLE 1 GAL AZALEAS 1 GAL HEATHER Beautifully budded and blooming. 1 gal. plants. O036 :3/9.99 MOSS CONTROL GRANULES ! :i Covers ' ::r  ' 5,000 sq' if' . : ..... ,b. .... : .... i 737 152 Choose from 2 colors. 0O64 3.99 SUN & SHADE SEED 3 Ibs. 760 058 5.99 BAREROOT TREE ROSES 6 Perfect for your patio or deck. 29.99 TURF BUILDER Covers 5,0O0 sq. ft. Contains HALTS - Crabgrass Preventer 148 067 7.99 10 r MOLE AND GOPHER KILLER PELLETS ! ,4 • . 533 653 GIANT rBELOW GROUND'00 =.,nov=. / MOLE TRAPS | MOLE BOMBS =.=-,_... "-:----.:: JZ   .ttm t need fol /  malleable ln \\;  / omrmengh 4.95 9.99 7.39 1 II • BULBS SEED STARTER SEED STARTER :IAS I :AN'S" BEG )NIA$ i H see:; Sforter l Soil lllE)d'  ' I 10 Quart 44 '  446 SOS Ware over. 2°9 WINDEX/ I i LEATHER GLOVES g $00.00 I • e' MAIL-IN REBATE   II llll lllll Thursday, February 18, 1999 - Shelton-Mason County Journal - Page5 I00eaders' 00ournai: Pioneer failure County is trying Editor, The Journal. served in three wars. Editor, The Journal: Much of what has been written in the paper (including letters to the editor) concerning Mason County and its actions toward the Growth Management Act (GMA) may leave much of the populace believing that the county is doing little to comply with this state law. This impression is very wrong. Since this law was passed about 10 years ago, the county has been working diligently in time, money and effort to comply. This law was written in order to protect various types of land and resources. It was designed to be a "grass roots" effort for the citizens of each county which qualified as to population and/or growth rate to plan their growth in order to protect those ele- ments. The county commissioners formed an ad hoc committee in about 1990 of about 30 citizens representing as many different factions and geographic areas within the county. They also hired a consultant to help guide the ad hoc committee to reach compliance with the law while at the same time developing a plan that might be unique to Mason County. This committee went to various parts of the county gathering in- formation of local citizens. They developed several drafts. A so- called Draft 7 was presented to the citizens of Mason County again in several locations within the county. The citizens at each of the locations were very unhappy with the plan. The prevailing feel- ing was that this law did not suf- ficiently protect the rights of property owners and was too re- strictive. Back to the drawing board. The ad hoc committee was expanded to include planning commission members, county commissioners and other interested citizens, to develop the county comprehen- sive plan. The real dilemma is not necessarily just protecting the elements in the GMA, but rather determining the level of protec- tion that the citizens of our coun- ty feel is necessary and/or appro- priate. The county commissioners have a very difficult job trying to arrive at the level of protection. As an example, how extensive should stream buffers be in order to give adequate protection of the creeks and streams of Mason County? Some people think we need 200 feet on each side of a Class 5 stream which by defini- tion has no fish, flows only during the wet season and may be less than 18 inches wide. Larger streams to have wider buffers. Similarly, if an individual started a business operating from his home with one or two em- ployees and it gradually got larg- er with more employees progress- ing to his garage and then struc- tural additions to his garage, at what point is this enterprise not considered a small business? When must he close his facilities and move to the industrial area in the Shelton or Belfair urban growth area? The level of enforce- ment again is key. Unfortunately, after the county goes through the very public pro- cess of reaching a level of protec- tion, any one citizen can appeal that decision to the Western Washington Growth Management Hearings Board which, so far, is interpreting the law very restric- tively and does not weigh the level of public support (as do the commissioners). The hearings board members are appointed by the governor, do not live in our county, and we have no avenue to them or their decisions, except through the courts. Last year, the state legis- lature amended the law to tell the hearings board that they must give deference to the county plan unless a gross error or omission could be identified. The hearings board is apparently ignoring this amendment and continues to hand down rulings that insist upon very restrictive interpreta- tions of the law. This is a clear in- dication that they are operating beyond the intent of the law. I have just learned via the In- ternet that what appears to be a small segment of our citizens has received a $10,000 grant from the Bullitt Foundation to support le- gal fes associated with legal ac- tion against Mason County (info@bullit.org). How unfor- tunate that this small group with big money from outside the coun- ty along with a very restrictive hearings board can dictate regu- lations with which the majority of our county citizens do not seem ' toagree. , ........ Yes, the county commissioners can raise a "white flag" and yield to highly restrictive regulations in order to achieve compliance, but would the majority of county citizens be happy? Therein lies the dilemma of county officials as they try to work to reach com- pliance with GMA and to pre- serve some of our private proper- ty rights. Bob Sund Hoodsport Don't want mine Editor, The Journal: BB&R Partnership (Brix Liv- ing Trust, John A. and Jean Bishop, Paul E. Reid Estate) and Alpine Evergreen Company, In- corporated are proposing to create a mining pit out of 153 acres of our Mason County category 1 wetlands, in near proximity to residential neighborhoods and a small area lake. The fact that our. county officials are even consider- ing the proposal is deplorable. We as residents of the Johns Creek community, do not want to see the project. In a county planning document that outlines areas of environ- mental concern, it is clearly stated that the impact of this project on groundwater both in- side and beyond the site bounda- ries are a profound risk for the residents of this area, which lies adjacent to and immediately south of McEwan Prairie Road, west of Oakes Road and near to Rex Lake. Our water systems and our land lie within a highly critical aquifer recharge area as defined nance. In order to protect the public health and safety, prevent the degradation of groundwater aquifers used for potable water and to provide for regulations that prevent and control risks to the degradation of groundwater aquifers, Mason County has adopted standards for develop- ment in those parts of the county which have been identified as critical aquifer recharge areas. This is according to Pam Bennett- Cumming, Mason County land- use planner, in a letter written to Susan Postma dated March 21, 1997. Creating a "pit" and allowing mining in this area will have dev- astating effects on our water sup- ply and air quality and on wild- life. Not to mention the added traffic, noise and the threat of pollutants, the quality of our neighborhoods and the safety of our children must be considered. Restrictions on use or altera- tion of this site must be adhered to as the project site has now been determined to contain cate- gory 1 wetlands and these wet- Pioneer School District's bond failure by just 10 votes has prompted some limited research on the cause of its failure. Even when one allows for the "bad weather" that characterized that election day, there is no legiti- mate excuse for its failure. It becomes increasingly apparent that the absentee ballot voters have had a major impact on the bond's failure. Absentee ballots for the most part are used by vot- ers not wishing to brave the incle- ment weather, or are homebound through illness. Many of the seniors using the absentee ballots are "snowbirds" who apparently vote "no" and leave for warmer climates. There is certainly nothing wrong with avoiding bad weather but avoid- ing one's community responsibili- ty is another matter. An early is- sue of the absentee ballot prior to the voting day does not provide the voter the necessary informa- tion he needs for the bond's sup- port. Community responsibility and service doesn't end with re- tirement. For the reader's infor- mation the writer of this article is chronologically in his late 70s and a wounded combat veteran who The bottom line reality for Pioneer's bond issue voters is: • A previous generation helped pay for our education and another generation for our children and grandchildren. This is the old adage of "What comes around goes around." • If Pioneer School District does not build a high school at this time the non- or negative vot- ers default to Shelton for a school in which they will have no admin- istrative or curriculum control. The user tax will be greater than building a high school in the Pioneer School District which the Pioneer School District voters will eventually be forced to do. This means that we will be building two high schools at twice the cost to the taxpayer. • The need is critical, a build- ing site is available, interest rates are low, the factored cost of new construction is lower than the majority of school districts in Washington State thanks to the competence and administrative skills of Pioneer's school superin- tendent, board and staff. Bill Merifield Sr. Grapeview Monitor promises Editor, The Journal: Well, here we are, another leg- islative session, and just what are our legislators doing to fulfill their campaign promises? Representative Eickmeyer and Representative Haigh have had the distinction of being mentioned on KMAS as introducing legisla- tion that will bring jobs to the ru- ral county by channeling funds to the economic development coun- cil. Senator Tim Sheldon is the di- rector of that entity so I am sure he will be supportive. However, will money from one bureaucracy to another create new jobs? And just where are the jobs that need to be created? As a tax accountant, I can tell you that approximately 75 per- cent of .all,the W.- foTms:that were m ajed ,by a.aTy. 31 ,cae 'rom small businesses -business- es that employ less than 100 peo- ple. So, if your legislators want to help the local economy they will support small-business legisla- tion. Guess what? Democrats do not typically support small business; Republicans do. Here in Mason County there has been a less- than-typical reality. Senator Brad Owen, now lieu- tenant governor, was a great sup- porter of small business as is the current Senator Tim Shelton. Senator Sheldon's voting record on small-business issues is 100 percent in line with the recom- mended position of Independent Business Association, IBA, a small-business lobby. I saw the Democratic central committee chose Lena Swanson over Tim Sheldon in the election of 1997. Now that is the Demo- cratic party. We saw, however, that Mason County voters elected Tim Sheldon. Good move if you want to help small business. Now we have a new year with the Democrats in power. Just how supportive of small business will our representatives be in Olym- pia? Well, on February 9, IBA, that lobby for small business, held their 10th annual legislative rally in Olympia. At the end of the day there was a reception held in the Legislative Building 'dtid  aI[ the members of both House and Senate were invited to meet with their constituents. Guess who didn't come? Kathy Haigh and Bill Eickmeyer. Well, perhaps they were in a committee meeting. I'm going to wait until the ses- sion is over and check their voting records. You see, in the campaign one can say they are supportive of small business and the rural economy, but let's see if they know how to vote in keeping with the voters and not the party line. Everett L. Hughes Union No cringing so far Editor, The Journal: in. Your editorials are "right on," Some other things, beside sug- just like your jokes are. I enjoy gestive remarks in editorials, them, and can understand most make me shudder: of them. Also, they don't make me "I've just been laying cringe or shudder. Keep up the around..." What were you laying? good work! Eggs? Obviously, I'm from the old "He was just out doing their school where we brought our thing." whose thing? spelling books home and cried "Him and her went to town." over them, but went back to "Me and John live in there school to do it better next time. house." There weren't 40 percent of us on "She don't know where he's at." the honor roll - that was some- Hope you don't have to use the thing for the really smart ones to blue pencil on this! If you do, it's whom I looked up with awe. I the typewriter's fault. cherished my C-B± average, and Jeanne Saeger really felt happy when an A crept Shelton Support for Gays Editor, The Journal: maintaining the high standards and identified in the Mason County Interim Resource Ordi- What do you call a big- wig who has come down with the grippe? Influential. lands appear to depend on the Congratulations, Charlie Gay, of The Journal. shallow aquifer for their water re- on a wonderful editorial! ("We There will never be another , Henry Gay, but there is a Charlie gime. Have a Dream on racism Janu- Gay. Rick and Suzi Simpson ary 21). Shelton Thank you, Charlie Gay, for Jan Danfqrd Clipper Mills, California He'll be missed John Davis Tax Service Editor, The Journal. sorely missed. In spite of my con- John M. Davis, Enrolled Agent .'. 1^**^- -. 1,^ - .... --- stant bombardment of his editori- Member of NAEA Th, o .==.  ,== ,. =u,.,.;, • ...... 2119 Callanan Street We are traveling and news of at pages, t never naa cne pmasure Henry Gay's demise took time to of personally meeting the man... $helton--426=9648 reach us. My sympathies are of only his written thoughts, his hu- Specializing in Federal IncomeTax course offered to his family, but mor and his principled positions. Returns for Individuals, Estates, beyond that to the readers of The I am thankful I had the opportu- Trusts and Small Businesses. Journal, both his supporters and nity. By appointment. his detractors. No matter our feel- Gordon Personius ings, Mr. Gay was a defining force Union for the community and he shall be ,, BY GEORGE, IT'S ALMOST KWANZAN FLOWERING SPRING FLOWERING PLUM FLOWERING CRABAPPLE 1 GAL AZALEAS 1 GAL HEATHER Beautifully budded and blooming. 1 gal. plants. O036 :3/9.99 MOSS CONTROL GRANULES ! :i Covers ' ::r  ' 5,000 sq' if' . : ..... ,b. .... : .... i 737 152 Choose from 2 colors. 0O64 3.99 SUN & SHADE SEED 3 Ibs. 760 058 5.99 BAREROOT TREE ROSES 6 Perfect for your patio or deck. 29.99 TURF BUILDER Covers 5,0O0 sq. ft. Contains HALTS - Crabgrass Preventer 148 067 7.99 10 r MOLE AND GOPHER KILLER PELLETS ! ,4 • . 533 653 GIANT rBELOW GROUND'00 =.,nov=. / MOLE TRAPS | MOLE BOMBS =.=-,_... "-:----.:: JZ   .ttm t need fol /  malleable ln \\;  / omrmengh 4.95 9.99 7.39 1 II • BULBS SEED STARTER SEED STARTER :IAS I :AN'S" BEG )NIA$ i H see:; Sforter l Soil lllE)d'  ' I 10 Quart 44 '  446 SOS Ware over. 2°9 WINDEX/ I i LEATHER GLOVES g $00.00 I • e' MAIL-IN REBATE   II llll lllll Thursday, February 18, 1999 - Shelton-Mason County Journal - Page5