A letter to the editor from Denise Perritt Klassen
As a retired educator (40 years) with two college degrees in education and two in strategic leadership, I am trained to look for behavior both academic and social which can be improved through the educational experience. However, it does not take someone with my background to identify vexatious behaviors in our community.
Both Grand and San Juan Counties have been trying to revise dated zoning ordinances to be compliant with Utah laws; and, had dedicated Planning Administrators bullied and their performance discussed in public meetings and newspaper articles. Performance evaluations should be conducted with their supervisors privately. If you think public performance evaluations are acceptable, then I should name the names of those (not our hired officials) halting progress on these important issues, but you know who you are…
What I will say is that the worst example of repugnant behavior I witnessed was when Kristen Bushnell was physically threatened during a public planning meeting in front of a law enforcement official who did nothing. How can this behavior be condoned? Would it be allowed if Kristen were male and had a different last name?
I have owned property in Old La Sal since 2003. I pay my taxes, have certificates of occupancy for my home and outbuildings, have permits for my well and septic systems, and have current registrations on all my vehicles. I play by the rules, but not everyone does. Although this is always disappointing, it is especially so now because not playing by the rules is why the revised San Juan County Zoning Ordinances have not been adopted.
Non rule abiders do not want updated ordinances because they may have to get a business license, pay more taxes, put in a septic system, or basically change what they have been doing for decades. The state says WE MUST CHANGE and mandated San Juan County increase property taxes because assessments did not take place in a timely manner resulting in loss of state revenue. My taxes increased 42%. Maybe next the state will take over our local decision making regarding our long out of compliance zoning ordinances.
Interestingly, some of the same people who bullied Kristen into resignation and do not want to be told what they can or cannot do on their land were thrilled when state and federal agency personnel came onto their property and kept it from burning (I live walking distance from where the Deer Creek fire started).
We have the opportunity (through our county planning offices) to make local decisions, but the decisions made thus far have been to drive out county administrators (who are doing their jobs) in the hope that nothing will be done. This pattern of behavior is appalling. Those of you pushing this agenda need to grow up! I am sad some of you did not learn how to play by the rules and work together in elementary school, but…it is not too late to change.
Sincerely,
Denise Perritt Klassen
San Juan County
Appreciate the coverage? Help keep local news alive.
Chip in to support the Moab Sun News.