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REFERENDUM |
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VOTE NO on the Stormwater Referendumposted 10/15/2007 San Juan County is obligated by State law to address this issue as are the other 11 Puget Sound Counties. The consequence of inaction is a continuing decline in our environment that we all love and hope to enjoy forever. Fewer salmon, fewer seabirds, fewer orca. Let’s take a fair look at this issue. Do all of us use the roads? Do all of us shop in stores? Do we eat at restaurants? Do we take our family members and visitors around the county to see and enjoy the sights? Do we park our cars in ferry loading parking lots? If we need and use the services located in the "villages", aren’t we as responsible as the actual residents? The Friends of the San Juans believes we contributed the problem. We all have a responsibility to contribute to the solution. Stormwater causes damage to property, drinking water, and fish and wildlife habitat. A consequence of us living here, is that we create more impervious surfaces – roofs, driveways, and parking lots which transport pollutants such as petroleum products, heavy metals, animal waste and sediments into nearby creeks and marine waters. Some people have said that stormwater management is a problem for Eastsound and Lopez Village. They have asked, "Why should we all have to pay for the problems caused by "those people" who live in those places". How can we best contribute to a solution? The Council formed a citizen’s advisory group to study the issue and suggest a solution. They made their recommendations, form a Stormwater Utility District and impose a fee on all developed parcels. Is there a better solution? Is there a better way to financially support such a district? Perhaps, but for now this is the right step in the right direction for managing stormwater. Should the process start over? No! At some point we have to have faith in the judgment from the citizens who are asked to provide advice to the County Council. The group of citizens who worked on this issue have demonstrated a past history of leadership and good judgment. Can we afford not to act? No. Any hope that we have to preserve the environment means that we must better manage the consequences of development today. Your vote AGAINST the Referendum is a vote for the environment and responsible stewardship.
Ralph Hahn, |
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SAN JUAN ISLANDER © 2008 |
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