09/10/2007: "We’re all in this together"

Dear Editor,

The recent letters by John and Kevin along with the editorial in this week’s Journal regarding storm water “fees” have profoundly moved me. I am a little embarrassed by my own selfish belief that development should pay its own way, and “fees” should be based on actual services provided.

When all is said and done “We’re all in this together.” If we keep that in mind, we will be able to embrace the greater community and the greater good. We will develop the model storm water ordinance. We will not selfishly regard ourselves as individuals or small enclaves or even different islands, but will create a beacon that draws the community together. We will recognize that we should be “one for all, and all for one.”

To that end, let us not limit ourselves. San Juan County is part of the State of Washington, which is part of the greater United States of America. We should design our storm water “fees” to address the storm water problems of the entire country. We should share the costs for every part of the larger community and eliminate any disparity based on use or benefit. Gosh, this could be just the beginning. The world awaits our embrace!

And let us make sure we keep calling it a “fee” not a “tax.” This is such a clever ploy and avoids that pesky problem of taxpayer approval.

Fee! Fie! Foe! Fum!

Chris Clarke
San Juan Island