4/26/18 | Cle Elum | Submitted by Jerry Martens, Edited 3/23/19
Questions Regarding County Planning actions of the Upper County Public Works Facility.
CAPR (Citizens Alliance for Property Rights) questions the TRANSPARENCY, ACCOUNTABILITY, and VISION by our elected county officials on this project. This has nothing to do with land swap proposals but everything to do with the proper handling of what will become a major influence and impact on the Cle Elum and Roslyn area. While our commissioners have stated that “the County can do whatever it wants or thinks it needs to do”, at some point, the people need to be considered.
TRANSPARENCY– Has this project been created using adequate public noticing? A quick read of RCW36.70A makes it clear that coordination with regional municipalities and the public is required. GPO. 5.30 of the County’s Comp Plan reduces this to something it “may” consider.
ACCOUNTABILITY– Chapter 5 of the County’s Comp Plan sets standards for Public Facilities and Capital Improvements. The question is are they being followed by the county? The same level of detail, coordination and public involvement required of the private sector should be applied to how the County operates including project water source. State law prohibits city water for service to rural parcels and it’s questionable if the County’s water bank has industrial water for use.
VISION– The most pertinent question. Has the proper evaluation, scrutiny, and oversight for this planned use been taken? Has the visions of the cities of Cle Elum and Roslyn been considered by selecting this site? Has an impact on roads, schools, environment and regional vision been presented for public or regional governments input?
For more background data or input, access the CAPR online blog at www.kittitassentinel.org
Jerry Martens
President – Kittitas County Chapter
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