Growth committee endorses three candidates

The Sustainable Growth (Initiative) Committee is pleased to announce its support and endorsement of three county commissioner candidates running countywide in the Republican primary election on Aug. 12. They are:

David Nelson for District 1

Doug Johnson for District 3

Stuart Posselt for District 5

After a careful review of all the candidates, the Sustainable Growth Committee has determined that Nelson, Johnson and Posselt will honor the wishes of the vast majority of the citizens who want to retain the rural character of the county. This goal was one of the major cornerstones behind the Sustainable Growth Initiative passed by the voters in 2002.

These candidates are also committed to uphold the provisions of the newly enacted building permit allocation and growth management ordinance (effective July 1, 2007) which will be on the November ballot for advisory approval by the voters.

Nelson, Johnson and Posselt pledge that they will not knowingly accept campaign contributions from the large developer interests or their political action committees. Thus, if elected, these candidates will be able to judge any proposed master plan amendments on their merits.

Further, each has pledged to carefully scrutinize all proposed changes to the county code that could pave the way for unmanageable growth, benefiting the few at the expense of the public good.

Voters are cautioned to be aware that in an attempt to confuse or mislead them, other candidates might also say that they are for "smart and sustainable growth" or similar words to that effect and/or are endorsed by groups that sound like the Sustainable Growth Committee.

Historically, the Sustainable Growth Initiative Committee, as well as its political action arm, the Sustainable Growth Committee, have long been made up of concerned citizens who have worked, on a volunteer and nonpartisan basis, for the past seven years to achieve the goal of real sustainable growth. Nelson, Johnson and Posselt are supportive of this philosophy. Additional background on each is as follows:

Dave Nelson, a Realtor with a background in finance, is one of the founders of the Good Government Group of Douglas County and is strongly committed to open and transparent government with town hall meetings to be held by him periodically for public input. He is also in favor of responsible budgeting, oversight of government spending and strong enforcement of zoning laws.

Doug Johnson has served as a county commissioner since January 2005 and is running for re-election. As chairman of the Board of County Commissioners, Doug was the moving force behind the passage of the new building permit allocation and growth management ordinance and is to be commended for his integrity in providing leadership by working with the other Commissioners, the business interests and the public in achieving the necessary compromises.

Stuart Posselt brings forth a wealth of experience. He is a retired architect with a great deal of knowledge of building codes. He believes that development agreements previously entered into by Douglas County need oversight management as they have not been adequately enforced. Mr. Posselt is also opposed to tax increases unless all other avenues of reducing government costs have been exhausted. Economic development within Douglas County is a strong priority.

Our community is urged to rally behind these candidates by supporting them with your vote and, if you can, contributing to their primary election campaigns. The alternative is to allow the well-financed development interests to continue to call the shots for the future of Douglas County through their candidates.

n John H. Garvin is the co-chair of the Sustainable Growth Committee