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In Our View: Cheers & Jeers

County planning commission advocates sensible course; mentally ill still languish

The Columbian
Published: September 19, 2015, 6:01am

Cheers: The Clark County Planning Commission has taken what appears to be a sensible approach to long-term land-use planning. The commission this week declined to support alternatives that would reduce the minimum lot size of subdivided resource lands and rural property in unincorporated portions of the county, noting that it would be difficult to defend such plans in court because of state guidelines. That rejection includes Alternative 4, which was developed unilaterally by county Councilor David Madore without input from professionals who understand land-use planning.

Proponents of the plans that allow for smaller lot sizes argue that they would restore the rights of landowners, and the commission recommends provisions that would provide consideration for landowners on a case-by-case basis. But allowing the creation of thousands of small lots in rural Clark County would lead to sprawl that requires increased infrastructure while providing little relief for the region’s housing crunch. The Clark County council — including Madore — should employ similar diligence in considering the suggestions of the planning commission and adopting a final plan.

Jeers: The Washington Department of Social and Health Services and two state hospitals — including one near Tacoma — continue to compile contempt orders and fines related to treatment of some of society’s most vulnerable citizens.

In April, a U.S. District Court judge issued a permanent injunction requiring the state to provide mentally ill patients with competency evaluations and treatment within seven days of a state judge’s order. But a review of records conducted by the Associated Press reveals that judges throughout Washington frequently find that the state is not living up to that obligation.

Cheers: After languishing for decades in mortuaries and churches throughout the state, the cremated remains of 46 veterans and one military spouse have received a proper military burial at the Washington State Veterans Cemetery in Medical Lake near Spokane. As part of a national effort called Missing in America, the remains of veterans who are without families were identified and scheduled for interment.

The ceremony included a 21-gun salute, taps played on a bugle, and a harp-and-flute rendition of “Amazing Grace” as the veterans, including four from World War I, received the respect they were due. As Gary Condra of the Washington Department of Veterans Affairs, said, “Finally, we’re bringing them home.”

Bummer: This one comes from the inevitable-march-of-time file. Or maybe it’s the hey-I’m-getting-old file. When legendary rock band The Who announced that it is canceling the remainder of its concert tour — including upcoming shows in Portland and Seattle — because singer Roger Daltrey is suffering from viral meningitis, it was a reminder for many fans that even rock ‘n’ roll is not a fountain of youth.

The Who, which still tours with original members Daltrey and guitarist Pete Townshend, was scheduled to play Portland on Thursday and Seattle on Sept. 27. And the fact that the shows were planned for large basketball arenas is a testament to the enduring power of the band. Daltrey, 71, is expected to make a full recovery, but the irony cannot be lost that this is the band that famously sang the line, “Hope I die before I get old.”

Cheers: A sea otter named Mishka at Seattle Aquarium has been diagnosed with asthma and is being taught to use an inhaler to assist with her breathing. The affliction was discovered recently when the 1-year-old otter had difficulty breathing while smoke from nearby wildfires was in the Seattle area.

The medication in the inhaler is the same as that used by humans, and Mishka is being taught to push her nose into the device and take a deep breath.

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