Editor’s note: This letter to the editor was submitted by Marjorie Haun-Storland of Old La Sal.
Last week the Moab Sun published a letter to the editor written by a resident of San Juan County addressing matters related to Planning & Zoning, in particular, the highly controversial 2025 Land Use and Development Management Ordinance (LUDMO) introduced last year by former Planning & Zoning Administrator Kristen Bushnell. I write this to clarify misinformation and incorrect assertions made in that letter.
The author of the letter impugned SJC law enforcement saying that Bushnell was “physically threatened during a public planning meeting” with law enforcement present “who did nothing.” Both points are false.
At the January 9, 2025, P&Z meeting in Monticello, a Blanding man made a highly inappropriate comment threatening any potential code enforcer who entered his private property without permission, but the threat was not directed at Bushnell or any other persons present. At no point was Bushnell under threat. Law enforcement had no cause to treat the situation as threatening to anyone.
The letter asserts that Kristen Bushnell was “bullied” into resigning. That’s not the case. Bushnell regularly exhibited unprofessional conduct while in her official capacity, including “going on strike,” bypassing proper budgeting processes, and hostile treatment of both citizens and County officials in open meetings. Bushnell had numerous workplace and citizen complaints against her.
In a final show of incompetence or defiance, Bushnell went over the heads of commissioners and County Emergency Services in an attempt to create a “La Sal Fire Rebuild” program in her department. She had no budget and did not have the approval of elected County leaders.
The author asserts that “Non rule abiders do not want updated ordinances because they may have to get a business license, pay more taxes” etc., and that “WE MUST CHANGE.” Both statements are incorrect.
A majority of people living in the unincorporated areas of San Juan County oppose the proposed LUDMO because it is more suited to a densely populated suburban locale than it is an open, sparsely populated, agricultural county covering 8,000 square miles where more than one-third of the population do not pay taxes.
Unfortunately, Bushnell misled many people by promoting the idea that WE MUST CHANGE our planning & zoning regulations with haste, without justifying the urgency. In fact, Utah is reasonably lenient, and counties have a good deal of flexibility in adopting and amending zoning ordinances, giving them wide latitude to tailor regulations to local needs, so long as they align with state statutes.
There was no urgent deadline, and state law encourages counties to execute the process properly with ongoing public input and discussion. The proper process begins with an update of the General Plan which is being undertaken by San Juan County at this time.
Like the author of the letter, I too live within walking distance of the Deer Creek fire burn scar. The author’s insinuation that “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” is unwarranted.
Bushnell was not bullied but resigned of her own volition. Furthermore, I am among many that oppose the 2025 LUDMO who understand the difference between government agencies and citizen volunteers fighting fires and overzealous building officials who show up unannounced on private property.
Perhaps most telling was the efficacy of the Planning & Zoning meeting held on the evening of August 14. Bushnell reportedly resigned earlier that day, so County Administrator McDonald stepped in to serve in her place.
Public comments were heard and regarded with courtesy. Like a breath of fresh air, the meeting proceeded smoothly without disruptions or heated exchanges. The meeting was productive and agenda items were addressed with competence and care, as it should be.
It appears that a measure of equilibrium has been restored to San Juan County.
Marjorie Haun-Storland
Old La Sal
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