PORT ANGELES – Like Texans who never tire of remembering the Alamo, Clallam County voters can consider again if they want to elect their community development director.
Charter Review Commission members Monday put the issue on the ballot for the election that will end Nov. 6 – the third time the question will be answered.
Voters defeated the idea of electing the person in charge of the county’s building and land-use policies in 1983, but they approved it in 2002 – creating the only elected development director position in the nation.
The two men subsequently elected to the job, however, urged a return to county commissioners’ appointing someone to it.
Rob Robertsen and his successor, John R. Miller, said an appointed administrator could fill the post better than an elected politician.
Bringing back the question saw proponents and opponents argue both sides of the same political coin:
People should have another chance to voice their preference, said backers.
The people already have spoken, and reintroducing the issue disrespects them, opponents countered.
