Dear HCN,
Lynn and Janis
Wood of Lebanon, Ore., display an insidious perspective emblematic
of the contemporary West (HCN, 11/25/02: Planning’s post child
grows up). Oregon formed its bedrock land-planning policies over 30
years ago. The Woods moved to Oregon three years ago. They knew
— or should have known — the rules when they moved in.
Like latecomers throughout the West, the Woods were attracted to
Oregon’s pastoral beauty; yet, newly arrived, they want to
change the rules to suit themselves. Can they really not see that
Oregon stayed so lovely for so long by consistently curbing
impulsive me-firsters like themselves? Whether or not you like
Oregon’s overview, the people of Oregon have spoken fairly
loudly and consistently over the past 30 years — and it is
their constitutional right to decide how their state’s
land-planning will proceed. If you don’t like the
restrictions, don’t get mad, I say, get even: Move to
California (or Arizona, or Nevada, or Colorado … ).
Jeff
Hull
Huson, Montana
This article appeared in the print edition of the magazine with the headline Oregon: Love it or leave it.
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