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Posted on 04/04/2004 6:50:11 PM PDT by NormsRevenge
Proposed legislation that threatens local land control undermines the credibility of the saying: If it walks like a duck, quacks like a duck, why it must be a duck.
Sen. Sheila Kuehl has introduced legislation, SB 1462, that sounds pallatible, but would squeeze power from local planning commissions, city councils and boards of supervisors.
Her bill would establish a 17-member Southern California Military Greenway Commission. The proposal would have the naive believe it is merely designed to protect the region's valuable military bases.
After all, there's few if any in Kern County who would not want the strongest measures enacted to help preserve Edwards Air Force Base and China Lake Naval Weapons Station. That is especially true now that the Pentagon is beginning an evaluation process (called Base Realignment and Closure) that could lead to closure of dozens of bases throughout the nation next year.
The legislator's SB 1462 would authorize a state commission to review proposed land uses in Kern, Kings, Ventura and Los Angeles counties that may affect military flight paths.
Such a proposal is folly. Military planes from China Lake, Edwards and Lemoore Naval Air State in Kings County routinely fly missions throughout the state. As a result, it would be logical for Kuehl's bill to cover all 58 California counties -- not just this region.
Kuehl's measure is also akin to putting the wolf in charge of the chicken pen.
Brian J. Todd, executive vice president of the Building Industry Association of Kern County, pointed out to the Bakersfield City Council that the state commission Kuehl wants to establish "would be dominated by appointees from Sacramento and Greater Los Angeles."
In addition, the Department of Defense would have three nonvoting members on the unwieldy commission. In reality, the Pentagon would become a player in local land decisions.
And the commission would be authorized to "adopt its own rules, regulations and procedures necessary for its organization and operation." That allows the potential for the commission to establish draconian regulations.
The commission also could receive grants and land donations to create protected "greenways" under flight routes. This could lead to all kinds of mischief.
Ted James, Kern County's planning director, points out that the proposed legislation "keeps making references to open space protection under military routes and then it refers to sensitive environmental areas. It seems to be about more than just protecting the military's mission."
Todd added: "Before any land use decision could be made by a city in Kern or Kings counties for land under a military training route, the city could be required to seek approval from this state-dominated commission."
Todd makes a valid point in comparing such a commission as "the equivalent of a Coastal Commission for the Southern San Joaquin Valley, blocking the economic development we all so desperately need."
Making wise land decisions that won't endanger military bases should be left to local elected officials and not a state commission loaded with special interest appointees with no direct responsibility to local voters.
The bill should be defeated in committee without ever going to a vote of either the state Senate or Assembly.
Is this a trick question?
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I don't recognize this word (and I'm an engineer). What is this word? Does it mean "can be put on a pallet" ("Palletable")? Or does it mean distasteful ("palatable")?
I guess Modrn Jrnalism skewl iz so focusssssed on Politikle Korektness that speling dont mattr much. By their fruits shall ye know them.
We may not look it... but we sure act it! (present FR company excluded)
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