I am very concerned with the upcoming CAO/Shoreline revisions and the direction the council seems to be heading. As a lifelong Democrat it is important to understand that I find myself strongly opposed to most of what I am hearing.

The draconian restrictions being proposed will fundamentally affect property values of the impacted properties without case-by-case consideration or true peer review of the current so called “Best Available Science” being used. A “one size fits all” buffer approach is arbitrary, unfair to property owners and completely unacceptable. The Council must rely on clearly defined, peer reviewed and local Best Available Science to justify any change to the existing regulations. It is very important that the Council carefully weigh the economic impacts of any decision. There should also be a balanced economic study showing the impacts upon our community prior to making any decision. The Council needs to demand clear proof from the Department of Ecology of the need for any substantive change in San Juan County’s existing Critical Areas Ordinance. We already have an acknowledged record of excellent environmental stewardship. The Council needs to follow its earlier resolution and Washington State statute to its fullest extent, review the current Critical Areas regulations in light of the forthcoming Best Available Science, and revise the existing regulations only as necessary.

I think the Council is underestimating the potential backlash among moderate and even liberal property owners if they do not take a sensible approach to these issues. The opposition here is not simply limited to conservative “property rights” groups. I hear widespread concern among my neighbors and friends. If the Council mishandles these issues I think it is very possible and even likely that the next election will result in a number of Council changes and much more conservative direction for county government. And I will, reluctantly, be part of that movement.

Michael Linehan

Friday Harbor