Critical Areas Ordinance

Whether it’s protecting ground water from contamination or ensuring the life-cycle of spawning salmon, we MUST protect our environmentally sensitive areas from irresponsible development.  The problem with the Critical Areas Ordinance was its one-size fits all approach.  It was an arrogant and divisive process, spearheaded by my opponent, that many rural landowners felt shut them out.  The courts agreed, finding that a portion of my opponent's CAO was actually unconstitutional.  

As one rural landowner told me. "Dow Constantine took away my land, the courts gave it back."

As executive, I will ensure DDES articulates clear standards for development in the unincorporated areas while shrinking permitting timelines from years to months, and even weeks.  While many large developers have the money, the time, and the access to get their projects through the county's process, we MUST provide the same level of priority and respect to individual homeowners.

I will not permit massive subdivisions, suburban sprawl, or inappropriate land use in our rural areas, but I will ensure the property rights of rural landowners are respected.  Regulations must be narrowly tailored to achieve real environmental protections.  If the county overreaches, it does so at the expense of its own credibility, and the credibility of our environmental goals.