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League
of Women Voters
March 15, 2006
The Honorable David Gilmour, M.D.
The Honorable C. W. Smith
The Honorable Jack Walker
Jackson County Board of Commissioners
RE: The League of Women Voters submits the
following for inclusion in the record on Local
File No. LRP2004-00001, which is an amendment to
the Comprehensive Plan of Jackson County on
Citizen Involvement Goals and Priorities:
Dear Commissioners:
On behalf of the League of Women Voters, we
thank you for your hard work and public
service.
We are here today to voice support for Jackson
County’s Comprehensive Plan amendment updating
its Citizen Involvement Policies. The League of
Women Voters is firmly committed to
comprehensive citizen participation in all
phases of government. We support Oregon’s
Statewide Planning Goals and Guidelines.
The State of Oregon is special in
many ways. Historically Oregonians are free
thinkers. Our land-use planning system is often
cited nationwide for its independence and
uniqueness. Bringing people from all walks of
life to the land-use planning table has long
been a tradition here.
Today you are considering whether to shed more
light on Jackson County Government. You are
considering whether to formally recognize a
diverse committee for citizen involvement,
inviting open input in Jackson County land-use
planning. Your timing is impeccable, as we are
in the middle of Sunshine Week celebrations
where nationwide, open governmental practices
are being discussed.
Jackson County Planning Commission
unanimously recommended adopting the proposed
amendments before you today. Their
recommendation is a good one. The proposed
amendments are the collaborative effort from a
large and diverse group of citizens. Jackson
County Planning department worked diligently to
ensure all voices were included and heard.
This plan seeks to involve a
cross-section of citizens in our land-use
planning. Under the proposed plan, a Committee
for Citizen Involvement will be formally
recognized with members being appointed, by you,
through an open and well-publicized process.
The Committee for Citizen Involvement will
educate and facilitate information flow during
all phases of the land-use planning process.
. The League of Women Voters is firmly
committed to openness in government. We applaud
Jackson County for its efforts in bringing about
a plan that will truly open the doors to
increased citizen participation. We urge the
commissioners to vote in support of the proposed
changes and also urge you to immediately embark
upon the process of forming the committee so
that it can get right to work.
The League of Women Voters is looking forward to
working with you in encouraging open and
meaningful citizen input in our land-use
planning process.
Thank you.
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