May I offer some suggestions to help the mistreated Gorge commission funding troubles noted in the Jan. 21 story “Bills put focus on Gorge commission”?
As the states must fund this group, perhaps the states should modify the rules to make the commission more user friendly.
To fund the work they do, the tax-exempt groups that support them, like the Friends of the Gorge, should also fund them. To assist in this funding effort all land in the scenic area should be taxed.
While I applaud Rep. Liz Pike’s (R-Camas) effort to help the people get permits, I hope any funding efforts would include a strong reminder the act also calls for “fostering economic development,” not hindering it.
