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Jan. 11, 2005
"The Growth Management Act says we're all in this together, and Judge Robinson's ruling reaffirms that. But I hear the concerns of the rural residents. King County needs to redouble its efforts to explain what the CAO really does that helps rural residents accomplish their goals.
"The CAO makes it easier to farm and easier to do forestry. It protects drinking water and protects people's property from being flooded or eroded by the actions of others.
"We listened to the community during the two-year process in drafting and adopting the ordinances. As a result of this process I have a team working on the issues we are hearing from the rural community, particularly keeping areas vibrant and thriving without taking away the very elements that make rural areas rural.
"King County is committed to getting back out in the community. Staff has been hired to meet with landowners and increase understanding of the benefits of these ordinances and help them with permit processes and stewardship plans.
"People are the best stewards of their land and these ordinances reflect that with tax breaks, incentives and a variety of features. We reward the good stewardship that people are already doing today. The incentives will increase people's ability to continue their good stewardship.
"However, we want to take it a step further and already have a cabinet-level team working on the issues driving rural residents' concerns. We have hired a rural economic development specialist to help us look at what it will take to enable people to live and work in the rural areas while preserving rural character.
"We are pleased with today's court ruling. At the same time we are very concerned about our relationship with the rural community. These referendums tell me we have work to do."
» Read the decision (PDF file, 345 KB)
» Opening Brief (PDF)
» Reply (PDF)
Updated: Jan. 12, 2004
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