As a 30-year resident, I thought I understood county management. It used to be an iterative process. Proposals were made, hearings were held, the public testified. I thought there were rules. Now, what?
On Sept. 25, an illegal road was cut through wetlands, trees were felled, fish-bearing streams were trashed, all without required permits by the Portland Vancouver Junction Railroad. No hydraulic permit, road permit, vegetation-clearing permits were ever filed; all clearly stipulated by county codes.
Portland Vancouver Junction Railroad is only a lessee of the railroad. Clark County is the property owner. In my opinion, Portland Vancouver Junction Railroad has no ownership rights to change zoning and ordinance deferrals.
Clark County is failing to represent citizens. Environmental damage occurred Sept. 25; two months later, Portland Vancouver Junction Railroad has yet to be charged by enforcement. The Department of Ecology, Army Corps of Engineers, Environmental Protection Agency have all issued “cease and desist” orders.
County councilors have remained silent on this issue. From this citizen’s perspective, the biggest bully appears to be winning. Democracy is failing, and people with the most money get their way. Where are you, councilors?
