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A. Concerning the Climate and Environment Commission
“Climate & Environment Office, Elected Commissioner and Advisory Committee:”
The initial proposal was to recommend an amendment to establish an elected climate and environment commissioner and establish a climate commission whose membership is stipulated in the charter to advise and recommend action for the county council in the form of resolutions.
The county council in its June 29th, 2021, meeting established a separate department and appointed a manager to consolidate current activities and personnel under “one roof” if you will. That is admirable and this action is well positioned under their charge and their oversight. The CRC could have created a strongly worded recommendation about the issues present and future and what the council needs to consider in its function as the leader of San Juan County and in charge of administering all its departments.
There already exist provisions in state law (RCW 43.21C.030 for example) that all counties and municipalities must adhere to. There is no need for another layer of charter language to help administer, supervise, educate, shepherd and direct legislation creation; the San Juan County Council is on it. The county council has authority to administer and regulate all that is needed to preserve our ecology and ecosystems, and active citizens, the press, and local nonprofits fill gaps without additional public expense. The failure on one governmental body to perform its function is not automatically resolved by formation of another government body.
In its form as presented, this proposed amendment is covered by the San Juan County Council action of their meeting June 29th, 2021.
For the reasons given we do not support this amendment.
I support this proposition for purposes of letting the voters decide, for which purpose I have abstained rather than opposed this proposition as it coursed through the CRC process.
Signed ___Bill Appel_________________________ Date 7/16/21