Subject: Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR) for the 2006 General Plan

November 29 , 2006

To: mheditor@montereyherald.com

The Leagues of Women Voters of the Monterey Peninsula and the Salinas Valley applaud your November 25 editorial on the Board of Supervisors' failure to set election dates for the Community General Plan Initiative and the Rancho San Juan Referendum. Denying the public a chance to vote on these issues is a flagrant violation of the right of citizens to petition their government. Proponents of these measures have followed the law. In a democratic society ruled by laws, not by men, it is just and right that the people be allowed to vote on these issues.

The Board of Supervisors continues to expend thousands of dollars of public funds finding ways to thwart public involvement. The County not only relies on County Counsel for legal representation, it employes outside counsel at significant cost to the taxpayers. At a time when public services for health and safety are on the block, it is incomprehensible that the Board continues to squander public resources and the public trust.

Our Leagues have been steadfast in expressing concerns about the process. We join the Herald in encouraging other groups to ask the Board of Supervisors to move forward and let the people of Monterey County vote on these important land use issues.

Sincerely,

Marilyn Maxner, President                              MaryEllen Dick, President
LWV of the Monterey Peninsula                       LWV of the Salinas Valley