Petition seeks voter approval of real estate issues

Should voters have the final say on county ordinances regarding real estate?

Hundreds of people think so, according to a petition presented to the county board of commissioners on Tuesday.

Kathleen Hogan presented the petitions signed by several hundred people to the commissioners when the board held its weekly meeting Tuesday.

The petition asks the commissioners to adopt an ordinance, or if not, to put to a vote, the proposition that, "Any and all legislation affecting real property in Wahkiakum County shall require approval by a majority of duly registered voters of the county."

The petition stems in part from the proposal earlier this year to include the county in a national heritage area, with not-for-profit ShoreBank Enterprises Cascadia acting as lead sponsor. ShoreBank recently withdrew the proposal, citing opposition from citizens as a factor in their decision.

"I'm terribly afraid of government," she told the commissioners. "The heritage foundation and ShoreBank are directly connected to the government, and I want them out of my life, and that's what these people signing these petitions say.

"Just leave me alone. Don't make Wahkiakum County into a park."

The commissioners told Hogan the petitions should go to county Auditor Diane Tischer for evaluation.

Tischer said Tuesday afternoon that she would check the signatures on the petitions and report back to the commissioners.

"August 10 is the deadline for resolutions to get something on the general election ballot," she said.