Now that we've sat back and awaited the outcome of the Thursday night meeting a few things can be said about local politics and water. First, the Kittitas County courtroom in Cle Elum was packed with emotions. Most of these by people whose livelihood depends on continued development. If you've read past postings you know that I blame the County Commissioners first and foremost, for not acting in good faith with the DOE. Also to blame is Representative Bill Hinkle for lackluster leadership and whose outlandish comment, quoted by the Daily Record, that out-of-state trouble makers are somehow responsible for the moratorium challenge the sensibility of every resident here. And, the flames of emotions are being fanned by others....namely Rep. Judy Warnick, another non-progressive politician who is quick to blame the Democratic administration but who shamelessly has her own hand out for government financial bailouts, including one that cleans up water pollution in her own hometown of Moses Lake.  She, of course, was at the meeting urging the County Commissioners to reject the agreement until the attorney general makes an opinion on questions regarding Ecology's authority has been made.

This is a rhetorical act. The Dept. of Ecology has the authority in my opinion but even if  the AGs office determines it doesn't, any such ruling will be quickly challenged in court by any number of senior water rights individuals and organizations...too many to list. And laws made to protect these rights date back a century. And now, Kittitas County is being scutinized by our thirsty neighbors in Yakima, Benton, Grant, Chelan, and other counties whose own commissioners were present at the meeting.

My question to Bill Hinkle and the County Commissioners is what do you say to the City of Roslyn, who has had to restrict water to it's residents 3 times over the past 10 years because of drought.? What about the citizens who utilize their legal rights to water on their farms, ranches, and homes and have for decades? Is the proliferation of exempt wells in the upper county affecting the amount of surface water and thus affecting their own water allotment? Or do you only represent the interests of developers, realtors, and speculators? Most alarming is that you are taking some sort of ultra-right wing land rights position against the present State administration.

Folks, Judy Warnick, Bill Hinkle and the commissioners do NOT know. Neither does the DOE, for that matter. But the water study that Ecology is inititating WILL.  Meanwhile, tensions mount. That tiny, agressive water group, Aqua Permanente, has filed yet another request to the Governor asking her to remove the "grandfather clause" that would allow exempt wells on lots that have already been granted at least a preliminary plat approval. This clause is part of the draft partnership proposal between DOE and the County. This is, in fact, a hardline approach and I do not agree with their objective in this case. 

You may strongly disagree or agree with what I've written but in any case your reply is invited.