COUNTY: Explaining the planning process

This is a response to John Kearns’ letter to the editor in Friday’s Coeur d’Alene Press. In it he claims the county planning commission’s land use code workshops are “farcical show trials.” He goes on to state the planning commission is not listening to the public and that I, as its chairman, am advancing a no-growth agenda.

In October, the planning commission decided to gather more public input on important issues through a series of workshops. In December, the planning commissioners voted to conduct the workshops as follows: At workshop one the commission would listen to public input. At workshop two it would propose policy options to consider, including suggestions made during workshop one. No decisions and policy recommendations on these options have been made at this point. At workshop three the commission would evaluate these options and make policy recommendations. The third workshop took place on Monday, January 13.

The workshop organization is designed to gather a full range of public comments on specific issues, identify an array of plausible policy options, and promote a thorough discussion and evaluation of these options before making decisions. The decisions reached are advisory recommendations.

In this process each planning commissioner is encouraged to voice opinions and propose options. Each one has a vote in making decisions.

I was accused by Mr. Kearns of promoting a personal agenda. As a planning commissioner, particularly as the commission’s chairman, I deliberately set aside my personal viewpoint and keep the following guidelines in mind. The land use code the county eventually adopts must recognize private property rights, preserve neighbors’ property rights and community character, promote appropriate economic activity, protect natural resources, and establish clear, equitable, and enforceable land use policies and procedures.

WES HANSON, Chairman

Kootenai County Planning Commission