Why are people afraid?
I have been to three meetings for the League of Women Voters of San Juan County. At each meeting a pro and con statement was given regarding the renewal of the Land Bank in 2014.
There were groups of people voicing their approval for the Land Bank and their use of public funds these last 20 years. A comment was even made at the Lopez Island meeting that the people who live in San Juan County are “happy” to pay the 1% excise tax attached to the purchase of property on San Juan County. Yet, at the end of each meeting I heard from attendees that they were not at all happy to pay the 1% when they bought property.
However, when they questioned or complained about the 1% fee they were chastised and berated as being anti-environmental. I heard first-hand from people who said they are against the Land Bank renewal but are afraid to put their name to any article or committee for fear of reprisal. One person even told me they were accosted when they voiced a disapproval of the Land Banks involvement over the bricks works project that involved the public market.
I am new to San Juan County but I am completely shocked at the fear people have over voicing their true thoughts and feelings about such an important issue. Is the Land Bank a bully? Is it the gorilla in the room that no one wants to talk about?
If people really don’t want this initiative to pass, then step up and be heard, you will be surprised at how many others are out there like you.
Cherie Sarrett
San Juan Island
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Cherie:
Let me disprove conventional wisdom about dissenting opinions – I do not know if the Land Bank extension is justified or not. And that is the point. Most island residents do not know enough about this extension to be asked at this very early stage to vote on the measure.
Since the Land Bank is authorized until 2014, why not take the next year or two to have an open dialogue that explores the pros and cons, so that we are able to make an informed decision in 2013.
Environmentalists need to not rush this issue to judgment, and neither should the pro-growth community. The desire of the entire community must be represented in this vote, as it will help to define the future of these islands.
There, I said it. Let the comments flow.
Nelson
Orcas Island