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Wanted: Butte County residents who can
see the forest for the trees; have a
desire to protect them but understand
their economic value; are independent
thinkers but respect and value the
opinions of others; enjoy heated debate
but keep cool heads; and above all, have
a keen vision to see into the future.
Apply by Aug. 1 for the Butte County
General Plan and Zoning Ordinance Update
Citizen's Advisory Committee.
Yes, your county wants you! The
general plan is a state-mandated "local
constitution" for the future growth of a
community. It is required for all
California cities and counties, and
Butte County's plan is overdue for a
complete revision. To ensure this
important "blueprint for growth" is a
consensus of the community's residents,
citizen groups must participate in its
conception. This is no small task.
The best general plan is one that the
community has built from the ground up.
It should address the diversity and
uniqueness of the area's natural
resources and where and how the built
environment will be and look. It should
incorporate the hopes and dreams of its
residents including environmentalists
and land developers.
We need Ridge representatives to
formulate policies and programs that
address our unique foothill qualities.
Special-issue participants should also
be included, such as citizens who are
members of the chamber of commerce,
school and other special districts;
housing advocates; real estate agents;
social agency workers; builders and
developers; bankers; homemakers and the
retired.
Any citizen at large or local issue
representative serving as a citizen
advisor must understand the issues of
the valley, our farmland, open space and
grazing areas, and our more urbanized
areas so that a consensus can be reached
for a countywide plan. It's a complex
and lengthy process. The most valuable
advisory members will be flexible and
focus on the greater good without
pushing a preconceived agenda.
A good general plan directs growth to
appropriate locations, saves
environmental resources, and is
understood by the insiders who live here
and the outsiders who want to build
here. A good general plan is easily
administered by our local government and
supported by the public officials making
decisions based on its policies. A good
general plan is only as good as the
citizens who serve on a task force to
guide its preparation. Get involved.
Apply at the Butte County Department
of Development Services, 7 County Center
Drive in Oroville, or get an application
online at
www.buttegeneralplan.net. |