ADVOCATES OF COMMON SENSE

This country was founded on some very basic principles--most basic was to be able to live life in a manner where you can pursue happiness while not harming your neighbor's right to do the same. Then some neighbors got together and decided that the majority should rule the day; that whatever the minority was engaged in, if it offended the sensibilities of the majority, then it must be stamped out. Zoning was invented to get control of your neighbor's land without actually having to buy it.  Zoning can be used to enhance the environment and the ability to enjoy the pursuit of happiness and, when done in such a manner, the courts have found it to be a legitimate exercise of police power.  But it can also be abusive and a method of taking away the ability of some to pursue happiness in what would otherwise effectuate a positive improvement to the diversity and health of the population and culture. This unfortunate result can occur when a "commission" is put in charge without being accountable to the population it controls. In our part of the world here in the Columbia River Gorge of Oregon and Washington, a commission was appointed to control land use to protect the scenic quality of the Gorge after Congress passed the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area (NSA) Act.  Unfortunately for the people who live in the Gorge, Congress didn't see the wisdom of making the Columbia River Gorge Commission accountable to anyone.  Its thirteen members are appointed by the governors of the two states (three each) and the local six counties (one each). The United States Forest Service administers special management areas in the NSA and is represented on the Commission by one non-voting member.  This commission has tremendous power over the people who live in this rural area and own land outside specially designated, exempt, urban areas. 

Common sense should prevail, but, as they say, absolute power corrupts absolutely.  When a certain group of people can get control of your property with the intent of turning the clock back, and have the political clout to stop what would otherwise be the progression of life in a friendly, healthy, logical and environmentally sensitive manner, common sense and logic can be ignored, and the power to stifle and destroy creativity and happiness can rule the day. 

Advocates of Common Sense was created to expose and "turn under" such tyranny whenever and wherever it rears its ugly head.  As a grandparent concerned about the kind of world my grandchildren will inherit, I am dedicated to this cause, and hope there are others who will join me to assure that freedom will indeed flourish for them. The answer to the Gorge Commission, and other entities like it, is to make them accountable. Until that happens, common sense and logic won't have a chance. 

Steven B. Andersen, Consulting Land Use Planner in the Columbia Gorge