The leadership of the District 2 Okanogan County County Commissioner seems to be missing in action. I am specifically concerned about the lack of an updated comprehensive land use plan that does not address the future needs of this district. Is the lack of supportive agreement with the county COVID-19 plan an oversight or a political statement? I want leadership who makes clear their commitment to the well-being of this county.
In 2016, the commissioners passed a Comprehensive Plan for land use--this plan ignored many local, state, and federal regulations. After threat of law suit, the commissioners agreed to revise the plan after the 2016 election--four years ago. Stakeholders held off the lawsuit while the county created a plan that was to meet regulatory requirements. Where is that plan? The internal process to produce a plan is inexplicably slow--or deliberately unwilling to comply. In 2020, the commissioners were forced to place a moratorium on subdivisions in the Methow Valley. This was a result of the inadequate 2016 plan. Leadership is missing in action.
It was infuriating and frightening to learn that the Community Health Director had been the recipient of personal threats because of contact tracing regarding the COVID-19 pandemic. I live in an area where the numbers of cases is still rising--this is personally impacting my life and my community. Where is the commissioner’s defense of, and support for: safe distancing, masks, quarantine, and contact tracing? Missing in action.
Community safety is an issue of health for everyone, regardless of where you stand politically. Lives are literally at stake. I am looking forward to hearing these concerns discussed at upcoming candidate forums. The current District 2 County Commissioner is ineffective and absent.
I will be voting for Katie Haven.
Sincerely,
Gail Brand
Brewster
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