THIS AND THAT
By Marge Frandsen

Marge Frandsen is former Chair of the Washoe County Planning Commission.

THIS AND THAT
Sustainable Water/Land Use Planning: The petition that was circulated by many volunteers over a period of several weeks was turned in to the Registrar of Voters by the deadline. There were in excess of 28,000 signatures on the petition which represents approximately 10,000 more than required to qualify. Presently the signatures are being audited to ensure that all those who signed are, in fact, Washoe County registered voters. I cannot imagine that 10,000 signatures will be disqualified.

Suffice to say there is a great deal of interest among the voters regarding this issue. Elected officials will be hard-pressed to ignore the will and energy of the people when confronted with the reality that a great many of their constituents are interested in the present and future quality of life and environment of our beautiful Truckee Meadows.

The proof in the pudding will come when the issue appears on the November ballot as a binding question. That is when ALL the voters will be given the opportunity to weigh-in on this most important issue. Believe me when I say there will be lots of opposition to this initiative most especially from those in the construction trade and some elected officials hiding behind the more vocal groups. However, reality is that with the approved unbuilt projects on the books today in the cities and the county, when the economy picks up there will be lots of work and prosperity for everyone. Our community will continue to thrive and grow but with more consideration to sustainable water than has ever been shown previously. Perhaps we will also see intensification of growth rather than sprawl.

The opposition will also accuse those in favor of the question of being "no-growthers". That could not be further from the truth! The key is "managed growth and living within our resources". The opposition will also say that we are restricting importation of water from California, or from other counties in Nevada. Again, false threats…..the question that will appear on the ballot is silent on that issue. That issue, if it is ever addressed, will be in a different forum and at a different time.

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