Let's stick to the facts
To the Editor:
In the Mar. 5 edition of The Sentinel, the report in the Lyle News column on the break-in was not based on facts.
While I don't condone what the youths did, I also don't think it should be made to be more than it was. The fact is one window was broken, not several, and the youths were not caught in the building in the act. They were walking by later and the officers stopped them for questioning. They then made the arrest.
I am all for reporting what happens, but let's stick to the facts.
Lana Lay
Lyle
Voices of the many ought to hold sway
To the Editor:
After receiving prosecuting attorney Timothy O'Neill's letter defining the status of Community Councils in Klickitat County I feel compelled to reply. Some confusion and hurt feelings have arisen I know he didn't intend.
I am the Chairman of the Dallesport Community Council and Vice Chair of the Citizen's Advisory Committee; however, I am making this reply as an individual taxpayer and citizen.
I take issue with O'Neill's contention that Community Councils "exist as private organizations that have no more influence on BOCC deliberations than any other single voice in the community."
The effect of the assertion, although perhaps accurate as a point of law, is somewhat insulting to the notion that the voices of the many cannot hold sway over the influence of the few, in a democratic society.
Duly elected representatives learn at their peril in future elections to act in such a manner when citizens remember and act in unison.
I am sure our Commissioners will agree the desires of a Community should be foremost in planning and zoning issues. If our collective opinions and desires are not represented, this represents an abuse of our trust.
Your letter has unintentionally confused and alarmed the community. The individual agendas of the Husum Council and their desire to disband are unfortunate but should not concern us, nor should they be used as a vehicle for legal clarification that can be used to invalidate the efforts of a community to tell the Commissioners what they want, regardless of the input from a single entity.
Our Community Council has enjoyed a fine relationship with the BOCC and we certainly enjoy the privileges of assembly hall use. We are volunteers seeking to make our representative system work.
I know you did not intend us to think that our Community Council and Comp Plan Advisory Committee have no function greater than any individual. We think that we can give some consensus which is more than an individual agenda.
Don McDermott
Dallesport
Letter meant only to clarify legal status
To the Editor:
Since issuing my opinion letter regarding the legal status of community councils, the Board of County Commissioners and I have received critical emails and letters from councils. Any confusion due to any lack of clarity lies with me.
The entire point of the letter was to explain the legal status of community councils under Washington law, the extent of their authority, their legal connection to the County's government, and their entitlement of county funds and any governmental immunity. It was not an expression of criticism of the councils or their members who volunteer their time and effort to assist their community and the county. If councils are disappointed with the present status of the law, they can do what they can to change it.
Citizens are free to form community councils in unincorporated areas and may be appointed by cities and towns. Councils are not forbidden. As noted in the letter, councils are allowed by statute to form regional planning groups, a tacit admission by the legislature the may exist. At this time there are approximately 23 county, city and town councils in Washington which are listed at www.southfidalgo.org/pages/othercouncils.apx. Klickitat County is second only to King County in the number of its community councils.
The letter was also meant to address the confusion that exists over whether community councils have legislative authority and the authority whether they can make mandatory provisions. Just recently, one council provided a proposal which stated the county "shall" and "will" do certain obligations. Community councils cannot mandate, cannot bind the County, its commissioners, other government agencies, or the citizens of this county. Some councils are already aware of this, but some are not.
Regarding potential liability of councils and their members, they should confer with an attorney or an insurance company to discuss whether protection can be obtained through incorporation and/or insurance or if there are other options which may protect their interests.
Timothy O'Neill
Goldendale |
