Security State

I'd like to thank everyone who contributed their smart and heartfelt comments to the last post. Since security and harassment issues are on everyone's minds, we should talk briefly about two forums offered by the Common Sense Alliance (CSA) earlier this month. The purpose of the forums was to explain the status of the CAO debacle from CSA's perspective. One of the presentations concerned "What the Friends Really Want," given by Tim Blanchard. Based on everything Blanchard has observed in recent years, he put together a summary slide that bluntly summarizes his interpretation of the Friends' goals. It's not the kind of thing you will find in the Friends mission statement or website, but you will see it in action if you pay attention to the way they operate.

There is more to come on the CAOs and SMP, so pay attention to those who have made harassment one of their core competencies.

Countdown To September 6

As many of our readers know, our Critical Areas Ordinances (CAOs) were appealed by several parties to the Growth Management Hearings Board (GMBH). Hearings were conducted here during the week of June 24. Below is a video link to the summary comments of Sandy Mackie, the attorney representing the Common Sense Alliance (CSA).

The GMHB is expected to announce their decision on September 6.

CAOs Appealed By Two More Parties

This is a developing story so this posting will change as details emerge.  Today, the Common Sense Alliance (CSA) filed appeals with the Growth Management Hearings Board (GMHB) over the General, Wetlands, and Fish and Wildlife CAOs. In a separate move, the PJ Taggares Company, a property owner on Blakely Island, also filed an appeal. Both parties are represented by Sandy Mackie of Perkins Coie.

Unlike the Friends of the San Juans, both of the new appellants had vigorously urged the County not to pass the CAOs until the alleged substantial flaws could be remedied.

More as this story unfolds.