Citizens voices should be the last word in hearings

Dear Editor:

 In July, the Washington County BOCC summarily fired our entire county P&Z commission for not getting along with our new prosecuting attorney. In September, they held a two hour late afternoon public hearing at the Vendome to consider proposed changes to our P&Z enabling ordinance which reduced commission size and residency requirements. More than 100 citizens attended, 95% of whom opposed those changes. Weeks passed before they quietly and without transparent public notice, voted to withdraw the proposed ordinance.

 On Nov. 24, 2025, our BOCC held a thirty-minute public hearing at 11 a.m. with another proposed change to our P&Z commission enabling ordinance. Though the existing

appointment procedure has worked for more than 40 years, this change was prompted by a problem created by the BOCC itself when they summarily dismissed the commission this past July! 

 By allowing only 30 minutes during a workday for this hearing when considering the turnout at the previous hearing, it suggests the BOCC has little interest in hearing from the public. This was corroborated during the recent hearing when the chairman cut off individual testimony before their three-minute allotted time was consumed and stated they only wanted to hear a statement of support or opposition!

 The purpose of the hearing is to gather facts and testimony before a decision is made.

 Hearings are for the benefit of the public, providing a way to present information and concerns before a decision is made.

 Idaho law requires the public be afforded an opportunity to be heard, though time limits on testimony may be established.

Frank Schwartz

Cambridge, Idaho