Common Sense Alliance
Mission and Progress Report ~ June 2010
Why the Common Sense Alliance?
Early in 2009, before the amended CAO was introduced several concerned San Juan County citizens recognized the need for a common sense approach to environmental regulations. They envisioned an organization that would be:
· Education driven—based upon facts, data and the law;
· Non-political;
· Not driven by outside agency agendas;
· Focused on local issues; and
· Able to raise the public awareness of the hazards of over regulation by County government
Position
As property owners we do our best to be good stewards of our land and we are proud of our accomplishments in improving and preserving our island environment for many years under the current regulations.
We find no supporting evidence of a need for any change to the current set backs (i.e., buffers) requirements of the existing Critical Area Ordinances (CAOs).
Mission and Goals
Our Mission is to encourage and assist the San Juan County Council to insure that the proper processes are followed in reviewing the existing ordinance, and to consider thoroughly the many economic impacts upon our citizens and to our community relevant to the little, if any, environmental benefits proposed in the draft Amendments to the CAO.
Our goals are to educate property owners and elected officials about:
1. How proposed changes to the CAO may affect the use and the value of our properties; and
2. How proposed changes may (or may not) impact the environment and the economic welfare of our entire County.
CSA Activities
CSA Forum—San Juan Junior High (July 2009)
· Speakers Dr. Kenn Brooks (Scientist), Dennis Reynolds (Attorney)
County Council Workshop resulted from the CSA Forum (August 2009)
· Invited speakers: Dr. Kenn Brooks and Dennis Reynolds, Department of Ecology representatives, CSA representatives, Friends of the San Juans, NOAA, and Fish and Wildlife
CSA Participation in County Tours of wetlands and Workshops
· San Juan, Lopez, Orcas (included scientists Kenn Brooks and Dr. Don Flora)
CSA invited to meetings with Jim Kramer and Council Members
· Regarding flawed process and findings of San Juan Initiative
CSA invited to participate in Coldwell Banker Seminar (December 2009)
CSA Community Educational Seminars—Fundraising
CSA Impact
January 5, 2010, San Juan County Council Meeting
· Council and Prosecuting Attorney recognized and admitted that the CAO process was flawed and the sequence out of order
· Lacked best available science (BAS)
· No proper review of current CAO was performed
· Resolved to restart and follow a process according to statute
CSA continues to press and insist that the Council
· Follow the law
· Perform formal and proper review of the current CAO
· Present (publicly) relevant BAS
Supporting Common Sense Alliance
Common Sense Alliance needs your help
· Think of your donation to the CSA as an investment in protecting the use of your property now, and for future generations!
· A contribution to the CSA is an investment in:
o Our Island life-style;
o Our local economy;
o Our commitment to the “Home Rule” Charter;
o Our individual responsibility;
o To limited government; and
o How we treat our neighbor.
Common Sense Alliance Leadership
Chair Mike Carlson
First Vice Chair Tim Blanchard
Second Vice Chair Sam Buck
Secretary/Treasurer Alex Gavora
Directors David Cable (Executive Director)
Jane Cable (Executive Assistant)
Richard Civille
John Evans
Ed Kilduff
John Lackey
Bob Levinson
Gordy Peterson