The Suggestive Whistle

Let’s get this PC thing out of the way. It’s probably not politically correct to say so but as
far as this columnist can tell, the PC (aka Planning Commission), while advertising for
diversity, is ideologically skewed and scoots along the edge of conflict of interest where
some of the membership is concerned. The Whistle Team and I have done tons of
research to determine the propriety of what is occurring, and we’ve attempted to look at
best practices for ethics across numerous resources in WA State and beyond.
Depending on the source, you’ll get different impressions about conflict of interest and
the appointment process. So, this Whistle is your heads up for the next, when we'll lay
out a number of facts and a bit of opinion so you can form your own impressions.
In the meantime, an annual opportunity to register your thoughts about two big
initiatives affecting our city’s future is occurring now. The first has everything to do with
the Planning Commission. It’s called “the docket.” The council, mayor and city staff are
currently preparing the docket or annual agenda for consideration by the PC. If there is
anything special you want on the docket, now’s the time to speak up! What about
reviewing the amount of B and Bs in our community, and how many are allowed per
street? No limits at this point. What about green space and some kind of code that
requires a single leaf of vegetation in a yard? What about prioritizing streets over alleys
for repair?
Then there is the Urban Growth Area. Over 500 people took the quiz about the
proposed UGA. You probably saw the map. But did you know that the proposed area is
not set in stone? In the next month, citizens can contact council members to voice
thoughts and preferences. The Whistle Team will be working on commenting as well,
but to be perfectly honest, if you don’t get involved now by directly communicating, the
emails and comments you make to us privately won’t be much help. The city must hear
from individuals on the topics that matter to our future in a “public record” context. Do
keep contacting us to let us know what you are thinking. It really helps.
I’m closing this Whistle with contact info for all the elected folks who serve in city
government. They are the ones who shape the future of our valley by the decisions they
make and the votes they take. Zeke Reister: zreister@cityofleavenworth.com,
Sharon Waters: swaters@cityofleavenworth.com, Tbor Lak:
tlak@cityofleavenworth.com, Clint Strand: cstrand@cityofleavenworth.com, Anne
Hessberg: ahessburg@cityofleavenworth.com, Jason Lundgren:
jlundgren@cityofleavenworth.com, Marco Aurelio:
maurilio@cityofleavenworth.com, Carl Florea: cflorea@cityofleavenworth.com
We can be found at LWhistle.com. And don’t forget to take our most recent poll
question found on the front page of the online version of the Echo. Or just whistle.
We’ll hear you.
Ward Media Newspapers
- The Leavenworth Echo | Leavenworth, WA
- Cashmere Valley Record | Cashmere WA
- Lake Chelan Mirror | Chelan, Manson, Entiat, WA
- Quad City Herald | Brewster, Pateros, Bridgeport, Mansfield, WA
- Wenatchee Business Journal | Chelan, Douglas, Okanogan Counties, WA