Citizens have challenged rules

The Thursday letter, “Hobbs’ failed bill is problematic,” needs a few corrections.

The citizens of Lake Stevens and Futurewise have spent years fighting to improve the Critical Areas Ordinance that governs wetlands and development in our city. Until recently, those pleas often fell on deaf ears. Fortunately, we’ve elected an outstanding City Council whose members are fighting to protect the future of Lake Stevens. I have pursued stronger regulations for two years, so his “suddenly” statement is incorrect.

Sen. Hobbs’ proposal should be considered one effect of our “cause.” After citizens and Futurewise challenged Lake Stevens in court, and at the ballot box, for keeping the same, ineffective rules, this bill was introduced. While I agree that it addressed a genuine need, he lost my support at Section 4. Allowing a city to counter-sue opponents for “triple damages” just doesn’t seem right. Remember, one person’s “frivilous lawsuit” is another person standing up for what they believe in.

This legislation is unnecessary when the planning process is well advertised (the legal announcement in the newspaper is insufficient) and convenient to the public. When more citizens are involved, a “master plan” for growth is a benefit to everyone, not just developers. Mill Creek Town Center is a shining example of this process and what our unincorporated areas should strive for.

Finally, I have to remind the writer of all the great legislation Sen. Hobbs introduced this year, including bill that supports small businesses (SB5919/SB6894), clean energy (SB6111), Veterans benefits (SB5029/SB5441/SB5442), transportation (SB6068), consumer privacy issues (SB5827) and education (SB5100/SB5101/SB5790/SB6149/SB6426). Most importantly, the Clean Elections bill (SB5278) was recently signed by the govenor, and was strongly supported by all three of our legislators. Clean Elections will end the years of citizens being ignored because special interests have the officials’ ears.

Jeff Craig

Lake Stevens