HomeMy WebLinkAbout110324 - Thank you in advance for reading my response to last Monday's 10_28 BOCC Meeting___ALERT: BE CAUTIOUS This email originated outside the organization. Do not open attachments or click on links if you are not expecting them.
Dear Commissioners,
Thank you for taking the time to read this email, and I hope that my input is taken with the good intentions I have.
I was not able to listen to all of last Monday’s BOCC Meeting (10/28) live, but I’ve taken the time to listen to the recording. A few things occurred that concerned me as both a South
County resident, a Brinnon resident and recently the newest District 3 Planning Commissioner.
Perhaps you already know some of what I am referring to when a statement was made by a county employee indicating the Planning Commission voted unanimously to present the Flood Disaster
Plan to the BOCC, which was not 100% accurate. It was further exasperated by a commissioner responding to a citizen’s comments, bringing myself into the discussion, making some mistaken
statements, which personally I think was not appropriate or a good example of leadership.
I want to also set the record straight regarding the commissioner’s statement that they “pushed” for a South County Planning Commissioner. That statement isn’t correct either. The commissioner
did “push” for a South County representative to be on the GMA Steering committee, and I am grateful for that. I took it upon myself to volunteer for the open District 3 PC seat, when
I discovered on my own it needed to be filled. The commissioner participated in the interview process and supported my approval, and again for that I am grateful.
I’m certain that the county employe wasn’t acting with deception in mind and simply had the facts wrong, and I know it was a majority YES vote. I also believe the commissioner just didn’t
think before speaking and didn’t mean to speak with any ill intent. I am also happy to explain to any of you why I didn’t vote yes, or no on the Flood Disaster Plan, but will refrain
from explaining myself in this message to all of you.
That event was followed by DCD explaining in more detail, due to the prior public comment in response to the Flood Plan discussion that the Brinnon LAMIRD would not be able to have any
development in the downtown Brinnon flood way or plain. No sewer extension, no economic development, no repairs allowed and the daunting question of what else will impact the citizens
of Brinnon specifically as well as the rest of South County.
Both events, one perhaps trivial and the other maybe not, are examples of what can cause mistrust, confusion and anger among the citizens, especially in South County. There is I believe
a perceived idea that county government and departments are effectively conducting public outreach and are successfully communicating with the citizens of Jefferson County. I disagree
and directly challenge that perception. I understand the requirement for public notice is met by running an ad in the public notices in the local paper, but unfortunately in this modern
world of news and social media, it is not sufficient. Most don’t read or trust the local paper either.
Personally, I’ve attended enough meetings to believe that the message to the public is not being seen or heard enough. The very Planning Commissioner’s meeting brought up in this hearing
had virtually no one in attendance, and attendance at any of the meetings is light at its best. There are huge opportunities for all elements of the county to do a better job in this
capacity. I am committed to trying to play a role in helping bridge that communication gap between the county and the community. Hence this letter to the three of you. I would welcome
an opportunity to discuss my views on public outreach and communication with any or all three of you.
In addition, I have already expressed concerns to Josh Peters at DCD, and perhaps a few others. Not to create problems, but to seek solutions. I question why our county government doesn’t
seem to embrace these challenges begging for solutions by being inclusive, innovative and inspiring. The message in south county and perhaps other parts of Jefferson County is usually
just a “NO.”
I personally can’t just accept a NO answer at this time. I can accept a no, as long as it comes with a “why” and an effort to really engage with the community, seek solutions and mitigation,
and provide a better understanding as to a why “NO” is the only answer. I believe most people will be rational if given the chance even if they don’t like the outcome. I don’t feel
much of a “chance” is being given and I also believe there are solutions to most of the issues at hand. I do understand they come with BIG hurdles and many obstacles.
Once again, I apologize for being long-winded and only hope you each read this email and appreciate that I am trying to help and provide what might represent the community’s viewpoint
on last Monday’s meeting and the general tone felt by Brinnon and south county regarding any future economic growth and geographic equity for the south county residents. I think Jefferson
County has an opportunity to be an example of creative leadership and problem solving to the state of Washington.
In closing, I will be in attendance at the Nov 4th continued BOCC hearing on the Flood Disaster Plan to observe and support my community, as it is my understanding some community representatives
will be in attendance for public comments.
Sincerely,
Andrew Schwartz
Ps. “AI” played no role in writing this email 😊
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Brinnon Resident
Lazy C Club HOA President
Board Member: North Hood Canal Chamber of Commerce
Steering Committee Member: 2025 Growth Management Act Steering Committee
Jefferson County District 3 Planning Commissioner
as2020@me.com <mailto:as2020@me.com>
PO BOX 509
Brinnon, WA 98320
O# (603) 296-1044
C# (603) 305-8531
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