Having attended many Commissioner and P&Z meetings, it was strange to see so many new faces. Unfamiliar people surrounded the former Washington County P&Z Board. Most spoke in favor of the dismissed Board, even though the actual topic was two proposed ordinance changes.
It was glaringly obvious much “planning” preceded the presentations and many seemed to be “coached.” Many spoke against the changes, wanting things as they’ve always been, even the same people on P&Z. Sadly, the former P&Z Board, and friends, STILL don’t understand what that job is about. They spoke of “diversity,” and “knowing the area’s history,” “understanding how the codes came to be,” and “representing the community at large.” NONE of that has anything to do with determining if an applicant qualifies for a permit by satisfying the county Zoning Ordinances and State Laws.
The “vacated” P&Z wants what they’ve had for decades — to do whatever they want, without hinderance, legal or otherwise. We’ve all seen “special people” apply and get permits, while others do not. It’s a “Good Ol’ Boy” club, and most of us don’t belong.
That “vacated” P&Z Board signed a unanimous “Vote of NO Confidence” in our County Prosecutor, who was elected by an overwhelming majority, speaking volumes about the diversity of the former P&Z Board. They all followed in lockstep against the law. One former P&Z member said, “It was planned and orchestrated” — for P&Z to be “vacated.” Nope! As I see it, their removal was for insubordination. When you volunteer and are chosen by the Commissioners for the P&Z Board, and you flat-out refuse to work with the County Prosecutor, your legal advisor, it’s dereliction of your duty and grounds for dismissal.
