Planning Opinion

Editor,

We'd like to speak to the anger that seems unfairly directed at the Director of Planning for Lake County, Dave DeGrandpre, on the recently proposed Lake County density map.

Any time changes are made that potentially affect our lifestyle, we feel threatened-understandably. And maybe some of us didn't give the matter the attention needed when numerous meetings were held to get our input-for a myriad of reasons that are probably all valid. That doesn't man, though, that proper notification of those meetings wasn't given or that proper procedure wasn't followed at those meetings. But now when faced with the fact that decisions are being made that will put restrictions on what we can and can't do with our land, some feel we haven't had a voice in those decisions, and they want someone to blame.

We met Dave six years ago when we worked with him on land planning issues for the Mt. View area. Dave held numerous meetings, he solicited input, he listened, he remained neutral and he was respectful of all sides. He took special care to keep his personal opinions out of the final consensus.

It's neither correct nor fair to scapegoat Dave DeGrandpre. He's doing the job he was hired to do and for that he's and easy target. Personal attacks have no place in this debate. We were saddened to hear that Dave is leaving his position, regardless of his reasons. This latest situation, though, only underscores the point that efforts at long-range planning for Lake County can be a thankless job.

We were particularly disappointed and surprised at the comments made by Shelley Lawrence in her editorial "Witch hunt or inciting riot." She unnecessarily added fuel to an already difficult situation. We expected no less than extensive coverage of such an important issue as land planning-and all sides of that issue. Her choice, though, to print comments made to her in a phone call by Dave seemed more self-serving than they were in the public interest.

Marie and Marty Mumma

Polson