Response to Steinhardt’s letter | Letter

Published 9:00 am Sunday, March 17, 2013

I am writing to correct several misstatements in the letter from Rick Steinhardt (Sounder edition 3/5/13), and to challenge his fundamental premise. Mr. Steinhardt appears to believe that islanders must fit into one of two fixed camps: (1) esteemed protectors of our environment fighting to bring the islands back to their pre-European conditions (his camp, which I assume do not build houses, drive cars, or keep boats) or (2) the greedy, selfish “development” forces, raping and pillaging the land (the rest of us, apparently – people who took their savings, bought land and paid taxes, thinking that they would build a home for family or retirement).

Instead, I see the overwhelming majority of islanders respecting and caring for the land, with perhaps a few eco-hysterics on one end of the spectrum and a few die-hard property rights supporters on the other. For the most part, the balance seem to rest in the middle, with those of us trying to live our lives while maintaining the balance between protecting our islands and honoring our neighbors’ investment in the community.

Mr. Steinhardt is thoroughly confused about what seems to be the main point of his letter: “intimidating” lawsuits “such as the Common Sense Alliance lawsuits against council members who for voted for charter reform.” There are no lawsuits against council members by the Common Sense Alliance. There is no lawsuit by the Common Sense Alliance about the charter.

The lawsuit filed about charter issues was brought by three citizens, not by any group. The council members were not sued, but the Prosecuting Attorney demanded that they be added as necessary parties.

The lawsuit that does name two former and one current councilmembers (including candidate Lovel Pratt) complains of violations of the Open Meetings Act and the Growth Management Act in secret meetings conducted about aspects of the CAO. That lawsuit is being pursued by CAPR.

The Friends of the San Juans, Common Sense Alliance, and others have filed administrative appeals from the new critical areas ordinance, challenging its compliance with the law. These administrative appeals have nothing to do with the charter.

The fact that Mr. Steinhardt did not even confirm which entity filed the lawsuit about which he complains reflects the real problem in our islands: people whose opinions are based upon non-truths or half-truths, labels and sound bites.

Peg Manning

Orcas