Ordinances are not the answer

To The Eagle:

Recently I am hearing that an “overwhelming majority” of people are offended by what they consider junk vehicles.

This concerns me since it is an attempt to try to pass an ordinance which dictates what a person can and cannot do on their own property. A lot of what some people think is junk is, in fact, equipment used in farming, logging, fishing or some other form of business. Or it may just be someone’s collection of old vintage vehicles.

If someone else’s toys or equipment offends you, put up a fence on your property so you cannot see it.

If, in fact, there is a health hazard or a navigational hazard, deal with it as a specific situation.

Do not try to tell others what they can or cannot do on their own property. They own it and pay the taxes on it; it is theirs to use as they see fit. Farmers have tractors and farm implements that only get used when it is time to plant or get in the hay. Fishermen have boats; loggers have trucks, skidders, loaders and so on. And let’s not forget the old car enthusiast who just wants to collect every old Ford, Chevy or Dodge they can find!

Really, folks, if you have a problem find the correct source of it and deal with that. Don’t try to pass laws that tell others what they can or cannot do on their own property. Live and let live!

Ben Elkinton

Cathlamet