6/21/2010

Mr. Mayor,

I rise in opposition to this agenda bill for three reasons. One, I support Washougal retaining control over our legislative function. Two, I support adopting any standard that improves our ability to serve our citizens. And three, nothing that government does is voluntary for long.

First and most importantly, I support the City of Washougal retaining control over our legislative function. There is no need for us to put ourselves at a disadvantage relative to the rest of the cities in Clark County. If we give up our authority to determine the building codes, we do not control our own legislation. I refuse to be a rubber stamp for the sake of someone else saving face. Furthermore, central planning does not work.

Second, I support adopting building codes that improve our ability to serve our citizens. I would certainly entertain adopting alternative codes so builders have more than one code they could use here in our city. If that makes sense, then let’s do it. We do not need an inter-local agreement in order to do this. In fact, it is quite possible that by accepting a regional compromise, we place ourselves at a disadvantage.

Third, nothing that government does is voluntary for long. Today, the selling points of this agreement are that it is voluntary, and that there is the assumption that the goals of the agreement are goals that everybody supports. I would point the council to Section 2, Paragraph B,

“The Parties will jointly collaborate on countywide green building goals, and a regional approach to public participation.”

You will notice that in the very language there is the over-reach of end goals. The implication is plain for anyone who wishes to see it. This agreement lays the foundation for future enforcement of central planning goals of politically correct green standards. I also wish to point out Section 5, Paragraph B,

“Decision-making will ordinarily be by consensus, but if no consensus can be reached, decision-making will be by majority vote of all participants present having one vote. In the event of a tie vote, the Project Manager will make the final decision.”

The combination of these paragraphs leads me to believe that this is only a temporarily voluntary program. Central planning does not work. And, delegating our seven member council to a single vote in this new agreement gives up further protection of our citizens.

Mr. Mayor, I urge my fellow council members to politely decline this entrapment, and protect our citizens’ best interests.

I yield the floor.

Editor's note: This item was tabled prior to me being able to read the statement at the June 21st meeting.  I was able to read this statement at the July 6th meeting in which I was in the minority in opposing the agreement. --MD