HomeMy WebLinkAboutVAR2004-00034 - VAR Letters / Memos - 3/10/2005 F.
Charles and Valerie Johnson
PO Box 294 --- Union,WA 98592
Telephone: 360.898.4799
email: cjand,j@yahoo.com
Mr. Rick Mraz
Department of Community Development
P.O. Box 279
Shelton, WA 98584
Re:VAR#2004-00016
Dear Mr.
Mr az,
We are writing this letter in reference to our recent variance application and
subsequent outcome on September 13, 2004. During the comment period, Bill
Abrams left a voice message for former planner, Pam Bennett-Cumming, who
relayed the voice message to the current planner, Tammi Clark. In the written
transcription of the voice message, it was stated that"He is angry that the
)ohnsons have made a laughing stock of the county planning department, that it
is unacceptable to him". Since this comment is now part of the public record, we
feel it necessary to respond. We are at a loss to understand the meaning of the
comment because we have nothing but respect for the county planning
department. Since this is the second time we have been involved in the variance
process with county planners, we feel that we have a thorough understanding of
the difficulty of the job. We are awed by the incredible amount of and levels of
ordinance that must be understood and applied on behalf of the public the
planning staff serves. To say that we have"made a laughing stock" makes no
sense to us, and we wanted that to be clear.
In our recent dealings with county planner, Tammi Clark, we found her to be
exceptional in the manner in which she carried out the duties of her job. After
reviewing our application and studying the appropriate ordinances that applied to
our case, she made a determination that she could support part of our request
but not all of it. Well in advance of the hearing, she notified us of this
determination in order to allow us time to prepare a case defending our position.
We think that this is a very good way to handle the people planners are assisting
in the variance process, as in our case it allowed us foreknowledge of her
decision and the time to garner support for our case. She also handled a very
volatile neighbor in a very patient and equitable manner, thus minimizing the
emotionality of the case. We cannot say how much we appreciate the fine work
that was done by Tammi, and although we received only partial approval for our
variance request, we understand the reasoning leading to her decision, and we
i
are nonetheless very impressed by the professional way she handled all aspects
of the process. We feel that we had a fair analysis of our request by Tammi, as
well as a fair outcome as determined by the Hearing Examiner. We would, of
course, been very happy if the full request had been granted, but are content to
move forward with the plans as approved.
We hope that this clears up any cloud of misunderstanding placed into the public
record by what seems to be an emotional phone call by someone not clear on
the facts of the situation. If there are any questions or comments regarding this
letter, please contact us at the above noted address, phone or email.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely yo rs,
f
Charles H. Johnson ?ValereJohnscn
2
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PS Form 3811,February 2004 ----- -- - 15 9 2529
Domestic Return Receipt
102595-02-M-1540