By Marta Nielson

In response to Councilman Bob Jarman’s recent letter regarding the County approving a new higher tech photography, I would be interested in hearing from the current county council members that did approve this deal. (I would understand from his comments that Councilman Jarman did not.)

My first thought, I must admit, at learning of this new photography was not one of paranoia and suspicion of spying, but rather that it might be a good idea in light of the long history of islanders building both land and marine structures with either no permitting or exceeding the permits that they did apply for and receive.

For example,there are numerous out-of-code docks – ones that exceed the measurements granted in their original permits.

If we are to “trust” each other – we should be able to trust and expect that consequences (such as fines) take place when islanders choose to not follow regulations. The county does not have the budget, nor employees to do active, on the ground follow up inspections of permitting (which is quite a common practice in most counties) and it appears that some residents are even refusing to let the authorized County people on their land when there is a situation to investigate.

Regulations on building and construction do not negatively affect any “rural character,” but rather serve to protect it. There is a Commons component to land management and permitting. No private property owner has a right to do just anything, anytime that is outside of current regulations – as their choices can then negatively affect the “Commons” for us all (air quality, water safety, pollution, erosion, etc.) If there is a need to streamline the County’s permitting process, review current regulations, propose less or more – then let’s do that.

We as citizens have that right and could step forward in a positive way to accomplish it.

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