Port Townsend: Farmers protest possible change in code

June 20, 2006

by JEFF CHEW
Peninsula Daily News

PORT TOWNSEND, WA-- Angry area farmers parked a convoy of sign-toting John Deere tractors in front of the Jefferson County Courthouse on Monday, June 19, as they protested proposed action that they said would infringe on private property right.

More than 50 residents packed the County Commissioner chambers in protest of proposed amendments to the Unified Development Code that would extend buffer zones for wetlands.

Among them was Bob Pontius, a Port Ludlow Republican running for county commissioner, who asked, ``If this is implying that you're going to take our property, then how are you going to compensate us?"

Answered county Director of Community Development Al Scalf, ``You have to look at the Legislature in Olympia. The laws are changing yearly. It is our professional duty to bring this forward to the public.''

Outside, one of the farmers' signs read, ``Property isn't safe while the Legislature is in session.''

Others merely said ``no'' to the critical areas ordinances and the same for the Washington Environmental Council.

Related news:

from Port Townsend Leader:

Jefferson County farmers and property owners turned out at the Board of County Commissioners meeting Monday morning to protest changes to the county's critical areas ordinance that are under consideration by the county planning commission. The commissioners agreed to extend the public comment period by 90 days, after which the planning commission will send its recommendations to the board of commissioners for consideration. - Photo by Kasia Pierzga