Letters to the Editor for Feb. 5, 2010

County needs to act on land use

Most people are somewhat aware that there has been a land use war in Oregon almost from the beginning of statewide land use planning that started in the mid 1970s. Early on the rural counties tried to repeal it and return some control to the counties. The big push was during John Kitzhaber’s tenure as governor. He vetoed countless bills that would have given some common sense and local control back to the counties. This earned him the name of Dr. No. Now Kitzhaber is running again for governor.

After a long fight the Legislature finally passed a bill, 2229, during the last session that would allow the counties to amend their comprehensive plans and correct the mistakes that have zoned almost everything outside of the urban growth boundaries as valuable farm, forest or grazing land, no matter how poor the quality of the land is.

Baker County is now looking at its zoning ordinances, many years late, but the real attention should be paid to the comprehensive plan and with a possible return of John Kitzhaber it is imperative that we get on with it. The county will tell you there is no money. I say find it. You are in violation of at least the spirit of the law that required review that has never been done, and most likely you are in actual violation of the law and those who oppose the control from the I-5 corridor should consider a lawsuit to compel some action.

Steve Culley

Richland