Is commission”s judgment based solely on dislikes?
On Wednesday, Oct. 10, the Lakeport Planning Commission voted three to one to take away our right to have more than one metal or fabric carport on our own private property with Ross Kauper being the only voice of reason. What disturbs me most about this is that the only criteria that the commission based this decision on was “they just don”t like them.”
Our Planning Commission has a purpose which is clearly stated in Section 17.01.030 in the municipal code book which reads:
“?.to promote and protect the public health, safety, peace, morals, comfort, convenience and general welfare..”
These are the guidelines that are to be followed when creating municipal codes. If a code does not promote the public health, safety, etc, then it should not exist.
I am a reasonable person. If there are good reasons for not allowing a second carport, such as visual obstruction or safety matters, I would fully concur. But when our city officials make statutes and codes based simply on their own personal likes and dislikes, they are usurping their power and taking away our liberties for no legitimate reason.
If allowed to continue, next thing you know they will be dictating what color to paint our homes and what trees to plant in our yards. I hope the commissioners eventually come to grasp the concept that just because you don”t like something, it doesn”t give you the right or the authority to deny it from others.
Bonny Goselin
Lakeport
