Moratorium needed on building permits in the county

Washington County Commissioners:

 I attended your meeting this morning (May 19) along with many concerned citizens, hoping you would implement a moratorium on building permits so you could sort out conflicting legal advice on how our code should be interpreted.   

 Instead, one of you kicked the can down the road and another confirmed many of you were facing lawsuits in one way or another related to this issue. It reminded me of how difficult it can be to get clarity in these matters.

 While the public can’t know what’s discussed in your excessive executive sessions with our prosecuting attorney, the bits and pieces disclosed on public record suggest there is reason to be concerned. It compels me to share a piece of legal advice I received from Ira Burton during my terms on the Board.  

 He reminded us that we were elected to make decisions, and he was elected to defend them. If as stated this morning our Prosecuting Attorney is unwilling to defend your decisions which don’t align with his advice, the real problem becomes evident.  

 Our county has been blessed with P&Z Commissioners, staff, and other resources who have far more years of experience with our land use decisions and understanding than a newly minted attorney with none.  

 The implications are dire not just for our agricultural community, but for us who live in the city, impacted by the demand unfettered growth will have on our infrastructure. 

 I urge Nate and Gordon get on board with a moratorium now! 

Tony Edmondson

Weiser, Idaho