Why Skagit needs charter

In response to Doug Cole’s request for reasons to support the charter process, I give the following example.

Several years ago, my neighbors were told by a local farmer that he was clearing land next door to park farm equipment on high ground in case of a flood.

But instead of occasional storage, 100s of 10,000-gallon vats filled with brine and pickles were brought onto the property permanently – bringing noise from forklifts and semis operating through the night and year.

We’re used to normal farm activity on the roads and in the fields and being in that environment.

But it is seasonal and occurs mostly during the day.

The property which was zoned rural reserve did not then permit industrial ag operations, which this clearly was.

When the permit and planning department staff was urged to enforce the law, our neighbors were informed that county commissioner had told them not to.

Our neighbors then appealed this matter to a hearing examiner. Before the examiner handed down his decision, the county commissioners changed the rural reserve designation in the zoning code to allow industrial ag operations throughout the county. If you live in rural reserve, you too may find yourself in this situation. We learned that if you have a friend in the commissioner’s office, you can not only ignore the law, but get it changed so you are no longer in violation. This example illustrates not only a lack of transparency and accountability, but also the kind of cronyism that has long been endemic to our current form of government.

Voting yes for the charter in November simply gives us an opportunity to examine alternative options. It’s not until after a draft charter is written that voters will determine whether to adopt it. Please support the effort to give county citizens this opportunity. We just might make it better for all, rather than some, of us.

Rick Shorten