Observations concering complaints made

I have two observations concerning the complaints of the chairperson and vice chair of the Workforce Housing Task Force, as reported in the October 16 Daily Record. Their complaints relate to amendments to the Strategic Action Housing Plan adopted by the Planning and Zoning Commission (“P&Z”) in the course of otherwise approving the document.

First, the amendments passed P&Z by votes of 8-1 or 7-2, depending on the amendment. Those voting in favor of the amendments represent a diversity of occupations and backgrounds. The opposition to the amendments largely consisted of one commission member who is a realtor. There was substantial support for the amendments from speakers during both Citizen Comment and the Public Hearing on the agenda item.

Secondly, and more important, the opposition to certain items and aspects of the Strategic Housing Action Plan is ultimately based on a distrust of the city Planning and Development Services Department and development/real estate community by those concerned about the preservation of their neighborhoods. I will not belabor this issue in this letter. Those involved on either side of this situation know what I am referring to. The specific items removed by the P&Z amendments all involve long time flash points in this struggle.

In my opinion, it is highly inappropriate of the Task Force to plant the complaints of its chair and vice chair in a Daily Record article. Their statements should have been made directly to City Council when that body takes up the Strategic Housing Action Plan at a future meeting. The Strategic Housing Action Plan is a project of a department of the City of San Marcos, which should be representing the interests of all citizens of the city. It is not an election. Campaign style tactics, like yard signs and planting articles in the local newspaper, have no legitimate place in the process.

William Agnew

716 Belvin St.