In the mid-1960s, as the story goes, the Senate was reviewing the budget for the weather service. In order for his vote one wise senator had this clause written into the law, “Must look out the window at least once a day.”
We need this same oversight as Clark County councilors rubber stamp the building industry’s desire for more widespread development (“Growth numbers get OK of council,” The Columbian, May 4). Despite appeals from local mayors the council chose the development number the developers and builders asked for.
If they had taken the time to “look out the window” they would see the cost of rapid development as it has progressed so far. Increased congestion and pollution, crowded schools and higher taxes, potholes galore, and a beautiful countryside blotched by ticky-tack.
Are they blind? Yes, by money and a self-serving bent. Will they sell us out, make us a part of a new suburbia? Looks likely — money wins — but not always at the ballot box. Your vote, you decide.
