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Methow Valley News September 23, 1999 Endangered Species Publisher's Comment by Lee Hicks Moving toward common sense A newspaper reported recently that a well-qualified candidate had been warned off from a campaign by a colleague who called the position "death by meeting." No doubt those involved or watching the current memorandum of agreement process related to endangered species may have similar thoughts. Unfortunately it’s not a question of opting to run or not to run for office. For most participants, there is no choice but to stay at the table and in the meetings. Only the wonkiest of policy wonks will likely enjoy much of the MOA discussions. But this is serious business for the future of the Methow basin and Okanogan County and we need to watch it coming together. At the moment, a draft of the MOA proposed by the county appears to have the most "common sense" approach yet to gaining local cooperation and support for voluntary water conservation to aid endangered fish. It has the "response mechanisms" or potential penalties that National Marine Fisheries Service wants to insure that fish recovery efforts are effective. But unlike previous documents that essentially started by assuming failure through unrealistic goals and Draconian penalties, this document looks for success before the enforcement hammer is dropped. This week the Department of Ecology and the county are awaiting NMFS response to the draft. Now may be the opportunity to see if NMFS is, in the recent words of its state director, open to "common sense" approaches to getting beyond an impasse. Thanks for making us the best This week you’re reading what a peer group of community newspaper professionals considers the best weekly newspaper in Washington state in our circulation category. (See story page 6) It’s an honor that we accept with a mixture of pride and humility. A newspaper is a reflection of the community and our accomplishments are in many ways attributable to our readers. Thanks from everyone at the News. Opinion | Sports |
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