Editor,
It is time to change who can be on City Council, committees and boards in Ridgefield. As all of Clark County knows, Ridgefield is exploding. What some might or might not know is that the City of Ridgefield is working on its comprehensive plan update, which will expand the developable area in Ridgefield to allow more farms to be lost in order to add more housing and commercial development.
Currently, the City of Ridgefield will not allow anyone who is a resident in Ridgefield who is not in the city to hold a seat on any council, committee or board, yet we are the ones who will be impacted the greatest. Many of us in rural Ridgefield might soon see our properties change zoning, yet we have no voice. I find this to be highly inequitable.
I applied for the Planning Commission even though I live outside of city limits as I want to be involved. I was denied a position, yet when I asked Julie Ferriss, the city clerk, if it was because I don’t live in the city the answer was “The mayor (Ron Onslow who has already announced he is stepping down) saw all the applications and decided.” In the City Council meeting on Dec. 19, the mayor stated he interviewed all applicants, yet I was not interviewed. I also find it disturbing that the person they did choose to be on the Planning Commission happens to be a developer. Might that be a conflict of interest as he could influence what properties change zoning and benefiting himself and his business?
It is time for Ridgefield to welcome more diverse opinions and allow all of us to be part of the future of our town. The folks on all councils, committees and boards should have a variety of opinions, backgrounds, etc., to truly and fairly represent all the residents of Ridgefield. As it is now, those of us not in the city feel like we are “along for the ride.”
A diverse mix of voices would lead to better discussions, decisions and outcomes for everyone. The current qualifications of “everyone” is not considered.
I have started a Facebook group “Ridgefield Citizens for Responsible Development” in a hope that others might join me in my quest to create positive change for the place we call home. I hope others will join me at the Ridgefield City Council meetings at 6:30 p.m. the second and fourth Thursday of the month at 510 Pioneer St.
Jamie Keiser
•••
Letters To The Editor
Readers are encouraged to express their views by writing to the editor of The Reflector. Letters are limited 500 words. Deadline is noon Thursday. Writers are limited to two letters per calendar quarter. All letters must be signed with name, address, plus phone number for verification. Items submitted are subject to editing and will become the property of this newspaper. Opinions expressed in the Letters to the Editor section of this newspaper do not necessarily reflect those of The Reflector or its staff.
Email: letters@thereflector.com
Mail: The Reflector, Attention: Letters to the Editor,
209 E Main St., Suite 121 Battle Ground, WA 98604
