We need letters to Higa. Tell him what you think!

Hi Susan,
I have sent a copy of this letter to whcc list. Please would you consider sending a copy to your mailing lists requesting letters to Higa ? This is an instance where many of those who signed up at the first meeting and disappeared can be very helpful -they may be poor committee members, but good letter writers. A large number of letters in a short time will be instructive- to see what effect if any. Either way, it is a worthwhile exercise. We can see if this route helps. If in the council elections, members encourage contributions to candidates getting good marks, and vetted opponents of those (e.g. Holschuh) who get poor marks, then all those 'from the first meeting only' are very valuable members of a group wanting to fix this broken government. regards,Marshall
----- Original Message -----
From: "blann"
To:
Cc: ; ; ; "Bob Jacobson" ; ; ;
Sent: Thursday, June 29, 2006 10:21 AM
Subject: Two planning departments

> Dear Councilchair Higa and members of County Council,
> Hawaii County is the nations largest county, and unlike even many
> smaller counties, is probably unique in allowing no political
> subdivision to provide a government sensitive and responsive to local
> needs. With a government which is seated over 100 miles from many
> citizens, many services are effectively denied. Whatever the
> subjective truth may be, a huge number of citizens see our county
> government as a colonial government; Hilo is the colonizer, extracting
> taxes from the rest of the county, giving an absolute minimum return
> in order to support the citizens of Hilo. You may find this an
> offensive description, but it is the perception of many.
> When you object to allowing any local voice in governing aspects
> affecting a given region for fear of loss of political power(" it is
> the first step in political division of the county"), let me suggest
> that you may be aiding that process. My thesis is that there is a
> growing sentiment for dividing the county government for it has
> demonstrably failed in its responsibilities to govern fairly and
> efficiently (if you would like specific examples, I would be pleased
> to provide these).
> I see two choices: county government will start to give more local
> control of vital functions such as planning, as so wisely put forward
> by Councilman Pilago, and indeed other functions in the future, or the
> cry for creation of additional counties on this island will grow until
> they are heeded. It is not a question of if, but when. It will not be
> inside ten years, but once the process is started it will continue.
> Bottle up the abilities of other parts of the island to have a voice
> in their destiny as your comments would seem to imply, and you aid the
> forces for county division. Start to make vital departments such as
> planning, public works, parks and recreation local in nature, and the
> call for division of the county is divided and defused.
> We are seeing a start of citizens stating that they have no
> confidence in County Council to represent the people in the current
> parkland preservation petition being circulated. This action shows
> that citizens have given up on council, and however unwieldy, will
> pass legislation by going to the ballot box. How sad a legacy for the
> county council! Once the people see that this is possible, and know
> how to organize this process, it may become much more common.
> Then the issues which council is refusing to let the people vote on,
> may be put on the ballot by petition. What a sad message this sends
> for the confidence of the people in their council.
> I urge council to give the citizens the opportunity to vote on
> critical issues, rather than exercising the abuse of power by council
> to stop this. Otherwise, council will encourage the forces wishing for
> one or more counties independent of Hilo. Sometimes our actions have
> an effect opposite to that which is desired. At this point, I urge
> that Mr. Pilago's proposal be put on the ballot so that the people may
> decide. Is County Council in fear of the wishes of the people?
> Respectfully, Marshall Blann