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00eaders' Charges may be vengeful spR,NG ,s ON
Enough Oof thzs Th:rn%7000000 ::=eeO000000rwVr00 e
Edo:, ruary 18 d.and huddled masses," IT'S WAY--
Journal: e ey are taking front-, paeg coverage of the charg- gun.., which, will be on a very, As for the. of ve.ue GET READY
County has two pomp- money from the notorious Bullitt lug of former Shelton Police Offi- very chilly day, but should I, I am even the filing and the acceptance
of the state sisters of Seattle. I think Seattle cer DelaCruz by the local prosecu- apparently more thoroughly in- of charges in and by the local ju- HOWl
l Management Act (GMA),
to be making a career
giving private property
and elected county offi-
They are a Mr.
and Mr. Vern Rutter.
they have nev-
an official vote from
to be the citizens' repre-
in deciding use of pri-
I will concede Mr.
Seems to have a quasi-
from God to be one
caretakers (his let-
Journal in July 1996),
believe Mr. Diehl has
to any supernatural
a mandate from
of Mason County cit-
they are, trying to
property owners of Mason
how they may use, or not
land they worked so hard
And it is distasteful
liberals should keep their noses
and money out of Mason County.
I would like to remind these
two gentlemen that when the
GMA was put to a vote as Initia-
tive 547, in 1990, it was defeated
by a margin of 3-1, (900,000
against 300,000 for). But those
sneaky little Democrats in the
state legislature said to Hades
with the voters and passed the
GMA of 1991 which eventually in-
cluded the politically appointed
growth management hearings
boards.
Enough is enough, Mr. Diehl
and Mr. Rutter. Either take a va-
cation from your sanctimonious
obstruction, or pack your carpet
bags and go bother the people in
another county. The choice is
yours, but I would check out the
territory first.
John Stockler
Belfair
County attitude
urnal:
are concerned with the
attitude towards commu-
concerning the pro-
mine on McEwan
invites us to comment,
responds with, "There's
talk about." We beg to
project has been in
two years. There is
about.
as Mason County residents
The officials placed
of responsibility and
members of this corn-
!re going to listen. They
:sregard the voice of the
and set aside our con-
they "don't like to
organized." How much
money is going to be
on researching a project
is not in the best in-
of this community? Well,
;et organized. Let us ad-
concerns of the commu-
that pay the taxes,
Pay the salaries of this
s decision-makers. Let us
Our officials which side of
their butter is on.
as a private citizen
on a critical aquifer
area we are required un-
County ordinance to
the deed of our property
notification which states
are restrictions for de-
on use or alteration of
they are considering
out of town" developers
Only alter, but to destroy
of our county's aquifer
What motivates
or?
the community is cry-
fairness in develop-
they appease our con-
cerns by proposing to prepare a
"scoping statement." At whose ex-
pense?
Third, we do believe that if this
project is passed it puts not only
the developers but the county, as
well, at risk of a lawsuit for dam-
ages to the surrounding proper-
ties and the degradation of our
neighborhoods. In addition to the
fact that there seems to be a dif-
ferent set of rules for the commer-
cial community, we the private
community have to abide by the
"standards and regulations to
control risks." However, they
seem to be extending special con-
sideration and unlimited expense
towards this proposed project.
Shame on you. In addition, shame
on us if we allow it.
It is our responsibility as citi-
zens of Mason County to question
the actions of our government of-
ficials. Let us address this mine
issue as a community. Let us lis-
ten and respect the concerns of
the affected members of this com-
munity. Let us not waste any
more money researching this
project. We already know it will
never be passed. The taxpayers of
this community will not allow it.
When election time rolls around,
rest assured the voters of this
county will be considering the ac-
tions of their officials in this is-
sue. We are the people! We have a
voice! Listen to us now or reap
what you sow come Election Day.
"The price of freedom is eternal
vigilance... Never trust your gov-
ernment. You need a revolution
every 10 years, just to keep the
government honest!" - Thomas
Jefferson
Rick and Suzi Simpson
Shelton
tor's office and the Shelton police
certainly leads this reader to be-
lieve that said charges may be in
response to his appeal of his earli-
er firing and might well be venge-
ful and discriminatory.
It is interesting that now the
Shelton police claim that Dela-
Cruz "failed to let the department
know" his alien status when he
was hired and given weapons by
the department! Whatever hap-
pened to background investiga-
tions, etc?
The department had two shots
at discovery, when he became a
vestigated than a police depart-
ment hire?
And wasn't it kind of the Immi-
gration and Naturalization Ser-
vice to provide the local prosecu-
tor with documentation of what
appears to be a perfectly legal
process of applying for and gain-
ing citizenship in this good old
U.S. of A... to be used against a
person who is now "one of us."
Perhaps the process and the tim-
ing whereby those papers came to
the attention and possession of
the prosecutor might be at least
revealing, and possibly be of civil
rights interest. "Send us your
risdiction appears to be evidence
that those charging and judging
must be blissfully unaware of
questions of conflict and potential
discrimination. Of course, they
may also be aware that any other
venue probably wouldn't accept
the charges on grounds that the
Shelton police and the city of
Shelton are parties to the offense
with which Mr. DelaCruz is being
charged. Another venue might
have severely questioned the tim-
ing with Mr. DelaCruz's appeal,
as well.
Gordon Personius
Union
No time to reduce funds
Editor, The Journal:
The signing of the Personal Re-
sponsibility and Work Opportuni-
ty Act in 1996 ushered in a new
"welfare reform" era with dramat-
ic changes for the nation's under-
privileged class. There have al-
ready been significant reductions
in cash assistance and food
stamps for welfare recipients in
our area. These reductions, and
the announced plan to further re-
duce and eventually eliminate as-
sistance for many, have led to in-
creased attendance at food banks,
which serve as the last-resort
"safety net" against hunger dur-
ing a time of transition.
Each month, some 235 food
banks in Washington serve ap-
proximately 50,000 households.
The Hood Canal Food Bank now
serves over 300 family food por-
tions per month. A recent survey
by the Washington Food Coalition
has shown that while the demand
for food banks in 1998 increased
only 2 percent statewide, the in-
crease in rural areas was 22 per-
cent Along the Hood Canal, this
increase exceeded 35 percent.
The Food Coalition also found
that welfare reform, low wages
and the high cost of housing make
it harder and harder for low-in-
come individuals and families to
make ends meet. High medical
costs add to the challenge for se-
nior citizens and the disabled,
who depend on food banks to
make it through the month.
Washington's Department of
Health and Social Services has
found that persons coming off
welfare assistance use food banks
as a major form of support. This
means that as welfare reform is
more and more successful, a
greater load is shifted to inde-
pendent charitable corporations
who operate food banks.
In spite of this increasing bur-
den, government assistance to
food banks has been reduced and
is further threatened. The federal
government has cut its commodi-
ties program by $10 million in
1999, and Governor Locke is pro-
posing to cut the new biennial
budget for state support by $2
million.
Advocates for the underprivi-
leged feel this is not a time to be
cutting food resource programs.
They counsel further that: (1)
Hungry children cannot learn, (2)
Hungry adults cannot find or hold
down a job, and (3) Undernour-
ished seniors are more suscepti-
ble to disabling health problems.
Thus, society and our communi-
ties are weakened, and our future
is darkened by failing to correct
the problem of hunger.
Independent food banks are
left to meet these needs with
whatever donated food and finan-
cial support can be obtained. Vol-
unteers work long hours to obtain
nourishing food that is available
at no cost or low cost. We always
wish there were more to share
with those painfully in need.
Ed Boutwell
Hood Canal Food Bank
Hoodsport
Growth issue inaccuracies
Editor, The Journal:
Many of the inaccuracies, mis-
conceptions and half-truths about
growth management planning
that have appeared in The Jour-
nal in the past several weeks
have been addressed well by
others. Two areas that haven't
are the "privileged triangle of
Diehl, Dawes and the hearings
board" put forth in a letter by Jay
Hupp (Journal, 1-28-99), and the
power, appointed status and per-
ceived bias of the hearings board
itself.
The Western Washington
Growth Management Hearings
Board is composed of an attorney
from LaConner, a former Thurs-
ton County commissioner and the
former mayor of Camas (a town
not much larger than Shelton, lo-
their decisions. Since I disagree
with many of the decisions of the
ad hoc committee and the plan-
ning commission, and find them
to be contrary to state law, should
I conclude that they, too, be elect-
ed?
With all due respect to Jay
Hupp (and I do respect Mr.
Hupp), his reference to the
"privileged triangle" (somewhat
belabored as a metaphor at any
rate) is totally inaccurate. In this
case, it was John Diehl, as an in-
dividual, and the Mason County
Community Development Council
(comprising Kerry Holm, Gordon
Jacobson and Vern Rutter as in-
dividuals) who were the petition-
ers.
In the overall growth manage-
ment appeals process, the in-
the MCCDC does have "our act
together". We have offered, *and
the hearings board has recom-
mended, mediated negotiation
from the outset, and on a continu-
ing basis, only to be rebuffed by
the county at every turn. The
county has refused to negotiate
with us over their comprehensive
plan (although two versions have
now been found noncompliant).
When the county did agree to
meet with us on resource ordi-
nance issues a year ago, we were
not only more than ready to nego-
tiate, we requested that the Ma-
son County Economic Develop-
ment Council be included, along
with other parties which had dis-
agreements with our position.
When we found the EDC had
been relegated to onlooker status,
ournal:
Who support the Growth
kent Act feel they stand
moral ground be-
Is the law. It's a poorly
(most likely unconsti-
Which needs revision or
abolished.
and I support the past
commissioners in
Us a truly representative
in these mat-
time and money spent
Our interests is the re-
who have little posi-
t on the process but
cated in Clark County), and one volved petitioning parties include we requested they be seated at
is poor law of them is a (oh-my-gosh-it-can't- the MCCDC (Gordon Jacobson, the tableasafullyparticipating
be-true-he-must-be-kidding) RE- president; Kerry Holm, vice presi- party. The MCCDC co-authored
PUBLICAN. The King County dent; Warren Dawes, secretary the Shelton Critical Aquifer Re-
agenda forced on Mason County? and director of communications; charge Ordinance with the EDC
consistently throw hand grenades
in the works.
It is a paradox that we who
have made the sacrifices, invest-
ment and commitment over the
years and live the ideals to be
saved should be the ones to have
our rights abrogated and lose
much of our dream.
That those who support the act
have no financial interest is inac-
curate. They seek what we have
earned at no cost to them. And
therein the dispute lies.
Sam Comstock
Grapeview
Hardly. The board members are
people like us, and familiar with
our problems.
Out of the 533 cases filed with
growth management hearings
boards, rulings have been 77 per-
cent "in compliance" (for the gov-
ernment entity being challenged),
18 percent "noncompliant" (needs
some work), and 6 percent
"invalid" (substantially interferes
with the goals and policies of the
Growth Management Act). A find-
ing of invalidity is serious, and
used sparingly and reticently by
the board. Mason County is the
proud (?) possessor of several.
and Vern Rutter, treasurer) rep-
resenting our substantial mem-
bership; the Advocates for Re-
sponsible Development (repre-
sented both legally and as a
spokesman by John Diehl); and
the Skokomish Indian Nation.
Far from the privileged few: the
total membership of the petition-
ers is the largest common-cause
coalition that I have seen in Ma-
son County since I moved here in
1990.
And we are not privileged. Cer-
tainly the Skokomish Tribe isn't,
and the membership of the other
(seemingly, and recorded in pub-
lic testimony, with everyone's ap-
proval). I believe we have devel-
oped a good working relationship
with them. I too was shocked by
Mr. Hupp's letter. But, Mr. Wood,
like "Prince Charming," please
put the shoe on the foot it fits.
Since it is the Advocates for
Responsible Development, the Ma-
son County Community Develop-
ment Council, and the Mason
County Economic Development
Council (no slight intended to the
Skokomish Tribe, but inconven-
iently, they just don't have
"Development" in their name),
Only seven of the 39 counties organizations represents a wide maybe someday we could get to-
in Washington (including Mason), cross-section, from timber work- gether and agree on Responsible,
for seniors have anyfindingofinvalidity, but ers to environmental groups, from Community.Building Economic
the other six cases are much less wealthy businessmen to widows Development. Wouldn't that be
serious. For instance, King Coun- on fixed incomes, nice?
' The Journal:
received a phone call
Ison County senior re-
my letter to the edi-
e ballots' prob-
impact on the
District's recent
that he wanted to
high school but was
new school construc-
lVnpose added taxes on
Overburdened low in-
derstandable, concern
rne to meet with the
Assessor, who ex-
the Washington
provided several
assist in determin-
ing property-tax exemptions for
certain senior citizens and dis-
abled persons. (The county asses-
sor's office will be providing this
information at a regular school
board meeting on March 9 at 6:30
p.m. at the Pioneer Middle School
cafeteria, or for further informa-
tion, contact the assessor's office
at 427-9670, Extension 499. All
senior citizens and disabled per-
sons are invited to attend.)
One can appreciate seniors on
fixed income being concerned over
a tax increase, however in most
cases they would be exempt from
new school levies or bond issues if
his or their combined income is
less than $30,000 per year.
Bill Merifield
Grapeview
ty is prevented from building ball-
fields on agricultural lands; Pacif-
ic County can't bulldoze or devel-
op a particular coastal dune area;
Snohomish County can't issue
permits in one 34-acre subdivi-
sion.
As for being appointed, rather
than elected, the hearings board
is certainly not alone. A few
ethers come to mind, including:
the Shoreline Advisory Board; the
Fish and Wildlife Commission;
the Mason County GMA Ad Hoc
Committee; and the Mason Coun-
ty Planning Commission. Why is
the hearings board singled out?
Because some people, people who
historically have had, and contin-
ue to have, undue influence over
our county government, don't like
In regard to Mr. Wood's com-
ments (Journal, 2-11-99), I think
Kerry Holm
Hoodsport
Men not like Bill
Editor, The Journal:
I have tried to stay out of the
whole Clinton mess, but I have to
respond to Mrs. Miller's letter on
"Give Hillary Her Due" last week.
She made the following state-
ment, "Maybe Bill feels he needs
other women to satisfy his ego
like most men. The majority of
the people understand and that's
what counts."
I feel sorry for Mrs. Miller, that
her experiences in life have led
her to believe most men are that
way. Most of the men I know are
not.
Whether the majority "under-
stands" or not doesn't make it
right. Truth and honesty are not
relative; their meaning doesn't
change because you don't believe
in it.
Debbie Rabourn
Shelton
Our rental tiller comes
with all the dirt on how to use it.
And you can buy fertilizer here, too.
And peat moss, work gloves, grass seed, wire mesh and everything else you
need to get the job done. You won't spend all day hunting them down -
they're just down the aisle, along with the best advice around.
That's THE RENTAL ADVANTAGEI
CALL AND
RESERVE YOURS
MOSS KILLER
i ' !
Covers 5,000 sc ft.
816
9.99
NU-LIFE RID MOSS
16.99
GARDEN TOOLS
• Hoe
• Shovel
• Rake
5gS 052/045/219
Your ChOlce
3099 ca.
PEAT MOSS
LATEX CRINKLE.
COATED GLOVES
Provideprotectlon from thorns.
Assorted sizes.
474 046/034/0
3.99
3-I,B. FAST START00 r WELDED WIRE "
GRASS SEED
I
' Repairs bare spots. Special rapid
growth mixture for all lawns.
50'
I
136" I 15o88
#144139
14s" 1 20.88
PRIMROSES
• " ,.
I/' "
4" budded and blooming.
68¢
The bitterness of poor quality
lingers long after the sweetness
of a low price is forgotten
100'
27.88
#297132
36.88
#97146
46.88
#297173
I
First & Mill, Shelton
426-4373 or 426-2411
Monday-Saturday 7:30-7
Sunday 9-6
Thursday, March 4, 1999 - Shelton-Mason County Journal - Page 5
00eaders' Charges may be vengeful spR,NG ,s ON
Enough Oof thzs Th:rn%7000000 ::=eeO000000rwVr00 e
Edo:, ruary 18 d.and huddled masses," IT'S WAY--
Journal: e ey are taking front-, paeg coverage of the charg- gun.., which, will be on a very, As for the. of ve.ue GET READY
County has two pomp- money from the notorious Bullitt lug of former Shelton Police Offi- very chilly day, but should I, I am even the filing and the acceptance
of the state sisters of Seattle. I think Seattle cer DelaCruz by the local prosecu- apparently more thoroughly in- of charges in and by the local ju- HOWl
l Management Act (GMA),
to be making a career
giving private property
and elected county offi-
They are a Mr.
and Mr. Vern Rutter.
they have nev-
an official vote from
to be the citizens' repre-
in deciding use of pri-
I will concede Mr.
Seems to have a quasi-
from God to be one
caretakers (his let-
Journal in July 1996),
believe Mr. Diehl has
to any supernatural
a mandate from
of Mason County cit-
they are, trying to
property owners of Mason
how they may use, or not
land they worked so hard
And it is distasteful
liberals should keep their noses
and money out of Mason County.
I would like to remind these
two gentlemen that when the
GMA was put to a vote as Initia-
tive 547, in 1990, it was defeated
by a margin of 3-1, (900,000
against 300,000 for). But those
sneaky little Democrats in the
state legislature said to Hades
with the voters and passed the
GMA of 1991 which eventually in-
cluded the politically appointed
growth management hearings
boards.
Enough is enough, Mr. Diehl
and Mr. Rutter. Either take a va-
cation from your sanctimonious
obstruction, or pack your carpet
bags and go bother the people in
another county. The choice is
yours, but I would check out the
territory first.
John Stockler
Belfair
County attitude
urnal:
are concerned with the
attitude towards commu-
concerning the pro-
mine on McEwan
invites us to comment,
responds with, "There's
talk about." We beg to
project has been in
two years. There is
about.
as Mason County residents
The officials placed
of responsibility and
members of this corn-
!re going to listen. They
:sregard the voice of the
and set aside our con-
they "don't like to
organized." How much
money is going to be
on researching a project
is not in the best in-
of this community? Well,
;et organized. Let us ad-
concerns of the commu-
that pay the taxes,
Pay the salaries of this
s decision-makers. Let us
Our officials which side of
their butter is on.
as a private citizen
on a critical aquifer
area we are required un-
County ordinance to
the deed of our property
notification which states
are restrictions for de-
on use or alteration of
they are considering
out of town" developers
Only alter, but to destroy
of our county's aquifer
What motivates
or?
the community is cry-
fairness in develop-
they appease our con-
cerns by proposing to prepare a
"scoping statement." At whose ex-
pense?
Third, we do believe that if this
project is passed it puts not only
the developers but the county, as
well, at risk of a lawsuit for dam-
ages to the surrounding proper-
ties and the degradation of our
neighborhoods. In addition to the
fact that there seems to be a dif-
ferent set of rules for the commer-
cial community, we the private
community have to abide by the
"standards and regulations to
control risks." However, they
seem to be extending special con-
sideration and unlimited expense
towards this proposed project.
Shame on you. In addition, shame
on us if we allow it.
It is our responsibility as citi-
zens of Mason County to question
the actions of our government of-
ficials. Let us address this mine
issue as a community. Let us lis-
ten and respect the concerns of
the affected members of this com-
munity. Let us not waste any
more money researching this
project. We already know it will
never be passed. The taxpayers of
this community will not allow it.
When election time rolls around,
rest assured the voters of this
county will be considering the ac-
tions of their officials in this is-
sue. We are the people! We have a
voice! Listen to us now or reap
what you sow come Election Day.
"The price of freedom is eternal
vigilance... Never trust your gov-
ernment. You need a revolution
every 10 years, just to keep the
government honest!" - Thomas
Jefferson
Rick and Suzi Simpson
Shelton
tor's office and the Shelton police
certainly leads this reader to be-
lieve that said charges may be in
response to his appeal of his earli-
er firing and might well be venge-
ful and discriminatory.
It is interesting that now the
Shelton police claim that Dela-
Cruz "failed to let the department
know" his alien status when he
was hired and given weapons by
the department! Whatever hap-
pened to background investiga-
tions, etc?
The department had two shots
at discovery, when he became a
vestigated than a police depart-
ment hire?
And wasn't it kind of the Immi-
gration and Naturalization Ser-
vice to provide the local prosecu-
tor with documentation of what
appears to be a perfectly legal
process of applying for and gain-
ing citizenship in this good old
U.S. of A... to be used against a
person who is now "one of us."
Perhaps the process and the tim-
ing whereby those papers came to
the attention and possession of
the prosecutor might be at least
revealing, and possibly be of civil
rights interest. "Send us your
risdiction appears to be evidence
that those charging and judging
must be blissfully unaware of
questions of conflict and potential
discrimination. Of course, they
may also be aware that any other
venue probably wouldn't accept
the charges on grounds that the
Shelton police and the city of
Shelton are parties to the offense
with which Mr. DelaCruz is being
charged. Another venue might
have severely questioned the tim-
ing with Mr. DelaCruz's appeal,
as well.
Gordon Personius
Union
No time to reduce funds
Editor, The Journal:
The signing of the Personal Re-
sponsibility and Work Opportuni-
ty Act in 1996 ushered in a new
"welfare reform" era with dramat-
ic changes for the nation's under-
privileged class. There have al-
ready been significant reductions
in cash assistance and food
stamps for welfare recipients in
our area. These reductions, and
the announced plan to further re-
duce and eventually eliminate as-
sistance for many, have led to in-
creased attendance at food banks,
which serve as the last-resort
"safety net" against hunger dur-
ing a time of transition.
Each month, some 235 food
banks in Washington serve ap-
proximately 50,000 households.
The Hood Canal Food Bank now
serves over 300 family food por-
tions per month. A recent survey
by the Washington Food Coalition
has shown that while the demand
for food banks in 1998 increased
only 2 percent statewide, the in-
crease in rural areas was 22 per-
cent Along the Hood Canal, this
increase exceeded 35 percent.
The Food Coalition also found
that welfare reform, low wages
and the high cost of housing make
it harder and harder for low-in-
come individuals and families to
make ends meet. High medical
costs add to the challenge for se-
nior citizens and the disabled,
who depend on food banks to
make it through the month.
Washington's Department of
Health and Social Services has
found that persons coming off
welfare assistance use food banks
as a major form of support. This
means that as welfare reform is
more and more successful, a
greater load is shifted to inde-
pendent charitable corporations
who operate food banks.
In spite of this increasing bur-
den, government assistance to
food banks has been reduced and
is further threatened. The federal
government has cut its commodi-
ties program by $10 million in
1999, and Governor Locke is pro-
posing to cut the new biennial
budget for state support by $2
million.
Advocates for the underprivi-
leged feel this is not a time to be
cutting food resource programs.
They counsel further that: (1)
Hungry children cannot learn, (2)
Hungry adults cannot find or hold
down a job, and (3) Undernour-
ished seniors are more suscepti-
ble to disabling health problems.
Thus, society and our communi-
ties are weakened, and our future
is darkened by failing to correct
the problem of hunger.
Independent food banks are
left to meet these needs with
whatever donated food and finan-
cial support can be obtained. Vol-
unteers work long hours to obtain
nourishing food that is available
at no cost or low cost. We always
wish there were more to share
with those painfully in need.
Ed Boutwell
Hood Canal Food Bank
Hoodsport
Growth issue inaccuracies
Editor, The Journal:
Many of the inaccuracies, mis-
conceptions and half-truths about
growth management planning
that have appeared in The Jour-
nal in the past several weeks
have been addressed well by
others. Two areas that haven't
are the "privileged triangle of
Diehl, Dawes and the hearings
board" put forth in a letter by Jay
Hupp (Journal, 1-28-99), and the
power, appointed status and per-
ceived bias of the hearings board
itself.
The Western Washington
Growth Management Hearings
Board is composed of an attorney
from LaConner, a former Thurs-
ton County commissioner and the
former mayor of Camas (a town
not much larger than Shelton, lo-
their decisions. Since I disagree
with many of the decisions of the
ad hoc committee and the plan-
ning commission, and find them
to be contrary to state law, should
I conclude that they, too, be elect-
ed?
With all due respect to Jay
Hupp (and I do respect Mr.
Hupp), his reference to the
"privileged triangle" (somewhat
belabored as a metaphor at any
rate) is totally inaccurate. In this
case, it was John Diehl, as an in-
dividual, and the Mason County
Community Development Council
(comprising Kerry Holm, Gordon
Jacobson and Vern Rutter as in-
dividuals) who were the petition-
ers.
In the overall growth manage-
ment appeals process, the in-
the MCCDC does have "our act
together". We have offered, *and
the hearings board has recom-
mended, mediated negotiation
from the outset, and on a continu-
ing basis, only to be rebuffed by
the county at every turn. The
county has refused to negotiate
with us over their comprehensive
plan (although two versions have
now been found noncompliant).
When the county did agree to
meet with us on resource ordi-
nance issues a year ago, we were
not only more than ready to nego-
tiate, we requested that the Ma-
son County Economic Develop-
ment Council be included, along
with other parties which had dis-
agreements with our position.
When we found the EDC had
been relegated to onlooker status,
ournal:
Who support the Growth
kent Act feel they stand
moral ground be-
Is the law. It's a poorly
(most likely unconsti-
Which needs revision or
abolished.
and I support the past
commissioners in
Us a truly representative
in these mat-
time and money spent
Our interests is the re-
who have little posi-
t on the process but
cated in Clark County), and one volved petitioning parties include we requested they be seated at
is poor law of them is a (oh-my-gosh-it-can't- the MCCDC (Gordon Jacobson, the tableasafullyparticipating
be-true-he-must-be-kidding) RE- president; Kerry Holm, vice presi- party. The MCCDC co-authored
PUBLICAN. The King County dent; Warren Dawes, secretary the Shelton Critical Aquifer Re-
agenda forced on Mason County? and director of communications; charge Ordinance with the EDC
consistently throw hand grenades
in the works.
It is a paradox that we who
have made the sacrifices, invest-
ment and commitment over the
years and live the ideals to be
saved should be the ones to have
our rights abrogated and lose
much of our dream.
That those who support the act
have no financial interest is inac-
curate. They seek what we have
earned at no cost to them. And
therein the dispute lies.
Sam Comstock
Grapeview
Hardly. The board members are
people like us, and familiar with
our problems.
Out of the 533 cases filed with
growth management hearings
boards, rulings have been 77 per-
cent "in compliance" (for the gov-
ernment entity being challenged),
18 percent "noncompliant" (needs
some work), and 6 percent
"invalid" (substantially interferes
with the goals and policies of the
Growth Management Act). A find-
ing of invalidity is serious, and
used sparingly and reticently by
the board. Mason County is the
proud (?) possessor of several.
and Vern Rutter, treasurer) rep-
resenting our substantial mem-
bership; the Advocates for Re-
sponsible Development (repre-
sented both legally and as a
spokesman by John Diehl); and
the Skokomish Indian Nation.
Far from the privileged few: the
total membership of the petition-
ers is the largest common-cause
coalition that I have seen in Ma-
son County since I moved here in
1990.
And we are not privileged. Cer-
tainly the Skokomish Tribe isn't,
and the membership of the other
(seemingly, and recorded in pub-
lic testimony, with everyone's ap-
proval). I believe we have devel-
oped a good working relationship
with them. I too was shocked by
Mr. Hupp's letter. But, Mr. Wood,
like "Prince Charming," please
put the shoe on the foot it fits.
Since it is the Advocates for
Responsible Development, the Ma-
son County Community Develop-
ment Council, and the Mason
County Economic Development
Council (no slight intended to the
Skokomish Tribe, but inconven-
iently, they just don't have
"Development" in their name),
Only seven of the 39 counties organizations represents a wide maybe someday we could get to-
in Washington (including Mason), cross-section, from timber work- gether and agree on Responsible,
for seniors have anyfindingofinvalidity, but ers to environmental groups, from Community.Building Economic
the other six cases are much less wealthy businessmen to widows Development. Wouldn't that be
serious. For instance, King Coun- on fixed incomes, nice?
' The Journal:
received a phone call
Ison County senior re-
my letter to the edi-
e ballots' prob-
impact on the
District's recent
that he wanted to
high school but was
new school construc-
lVnpose added taxes on
Overburdened low in-
derstandable, concern
rne to meet with the
Assessor, who ex-
the Washington
provided several
assist in determin-
ing property-tax exemptions for
certain senior citizens and dis-
abled persons. (The county asses-
sor's office will be providing this
information at a regular school
board meeting on March 9 at 6:30
p.m. at the Pioneer Middle School
cafeteria, or for further informa-
tion, contact the assessor's office
at 427-9670, Extension 499. All
senior citizens and disabled per-
sons are invited to attend.)
One can appreciate seniors on
fixed income being concerned over
a tax increase, however in most
cases they would be exempt from
new school levies or bond issues if
his or their combined income is
less than $30,000 per year.
Bill Merifield
Grapeview
ty is prevented from building ball-
fields on agricultural lands; Pacif-
ic County can't bulldoze or devel-
op a particular coastal dune area;
Snohomish County can't issue
permits in one 34-acre subdivi-
sion.
As for being appointed, rather
than elected, the hearings board
is certainly not alone. A few
ethers come to mind, including:
the Shoreline Advisory Board; the
Fish and Wildlife Commission;
the Mason County GMA Ad Hoc
Committee; and the Mason Coun-
ty Planning Commission. Why is
the hearings board singled out?
Because some people, people who
historically have had, and contin-
ue to have, undue influence over
our county government, don't like
In regard to Mr. Wood's com-
ments (Journal, 2-11-99), I think
Kerry Holm
Hoodsport
Men not like Bill
Editor, The Journal:
I have tried to stay out of the
whole Clinton mess, but I have to
respond to Mrs. Miller's letter on
"Give Hillary Her Due" last week.
She made the following state-
ment, "Maybe Bill feels he needs
other women to satisfy his ego
like most men. The majority of
the people understand and that's
what counts."
I feel sorry for Mrs. Miller, that
her experiences in life have led
her to believe most men are that
way. Most of the men I know are
not.
Whether the majority "under-
stands" or not doesn't make it
right. Truth and honesty are not
relative; their meaning doesn't
change because you don't believe
in it.
Debbie Rabourn
Shelton
Our rental tiller comes
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And you can buy fertilizer here, too.
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I
First & Mill, Shelton
426-4373 or 426-2411
Monday-Saturday 7:30-7
Sunday 9-6
Thursday, March 4, 1999 - Shelton-Mason County Journal - Page 5