Letter to the Editor: “Review” Does Not Mean “Reverse”

In 2005, 21 volunteers researched the complex workings of our county, and sorted out what was successful from what needed improvement.

These county Freeholders acted somewhat like our nation’s Founding Fathers did, when they drafted our federal Constitution. After serious debate and compromise, we received a representative governmental that featured a strong system of checks and balances that would prevent abuse of power.

To ensure that the unique needs of citizens on each of our islands would be fairly represented, they proposed a six-member Council to deal with policy and legislation, and an independent Administrator to handle day-to-day operations.

Now, after a much shorter span of deliberation, a Charter Review Commission, some members of which were already set against the Charter forged in 2005, are trying to take away the real and significant improvements that were originally achieved.

Proponents of the revised Charter have said that the aim of the revision is efficiency. A three-member Council is more efficient than that of six, they say, requiring less debate and deliberation.

We must remember, however, that democracy is not meant to be efficient. In order for everyone to have a voice, time must be allowed for as much deliberation and debate as possible. As another writer has already pointed out, the most efficient form of government is a dictatorship, in which nobody’s voice is heard at all.

We are truly fearful that, if the people of San Juan County vote to undo our hard-won better government of the current Charter, we will have taken a giant, enduring, and destructive step backwards.

When voters approved the new Charter, it was with the requirement that it be reviewed occasionally thereafter. But “review” does not mean “reverse”!

Please vote No on Propositions 1 & 2.

Jean and Steve Henigson