Hirst Creating Uncertainty On the Local Level

It’s not just state officials who are expressing concern and frustration over the Legislature’s inability to come up with a Hirst Fix during the 2017 session.  Franklin County Commission Brad Peck told the Washington Ag Network, Hirst has created an environment where land owners, whether developers or farmers, are unsure about what they can and cannot do with their property.

“I think [they are] injured by the uncertainty that has been created by the Legislature’s failure to deal effectively with the Hirst issue, and by the state Supreme Court legislating from the bench, effectively.”

Peck also noted with more regulation coming from Olympia, more rural Washingtonians feel like they have a hand tied behind their back when they try to complete their typical daily tasks.  Peck said it’s the local and state government’s role to ensure landowners have lawfully enjoy their property, but he’s not sure if that can take place now.

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