December 30, 2011
CITY OF YELM'S SPIN DOWNPLAYS COURT'S RULING
This writer sent a Letter to the Editor of the local newspaper in response to the city's downplaying of the Supreme Court decision in Knight vs. City of Yelm:
"In the NVN December 23 issue, in light of the Mayor's small-minded comments regarding the final decision of the state's highest court where 7 of 9 justices sided with a citizen (JZ Knight), the Supreme Court clearly stated that municipalities cannot run roughshod over, and must consider, the public's interests to ensure adequate water sources before approving a developer's plat application. The decision is a significant event in support of property owners across the state."
"This decision will be a showcase for future citizens desiring to challenge local governments who endanger their precious water resources. The aftershock from this earthquake will echo 100 years from now where Knight vs. City of Yelm will be cited for upholding the rights of private property owners to challenge unlawful land use decisions."
Read more
Dear Steve,
I appreciated your excellent "Letter to the Editor". The summary you gave of the situation really put the reality of the court findings in their proper perspective. The Mayor of Yelm said that they would be doing business as usual after receiving news of the judges decision. What does that mean?
J.Z. has done something big and wonderful for all the citizens of this state which will change the potential for "business as usual".
Things have already changed.
Thank You!