Jack Turner’s column (Herald, July 27) raises important concerns, but it makes me wonder where the most vocal critics are when discussions occur. The two outspoken residents I know have not attended county commissioner meetings or participated in boards where these policies are shaped.
Criticizing from the sidelines is easy; participating and putting in the effort to advance our county is much harder but far more impactful. Before rallying against current processes, here are some essential questions to consider:
How long does it typically take for property owners to correct discrepancies identified during county inspections? Are they making genuine efforts to resolve these issues? Are the discrepancies governed by county, state or federal regulations? Understanding these details is crucial; without this context, it’s easy to assign blame unfairly.
If you genuinely want change, the way forward involves active involvement, not merely commentary. Real progress is made when individuals engage with the process, listen to diverse viewpoints and contribute to shaping outcomes.
Also, we should ask whether proposed changes benefit only the landowners or everyone in La Plata County. Many believe that land-use and building codes are designed for collective safety. At the last commissioners meeting, prominent voices shared concerns about flooding, yet one landowner with a septic tank in a flood plain believes it should remain, despite acknowledging that their property floods. Such issues affect all residents; our neighbors do not want pollution in rivers or infrastructure damage. Active involvement is vital for community safety.
Steve Salka
Bayfield
