GUEST OPINION

By Lisa Sharp

I was appalled that Manny Ruiz and Bobby Damon voted to approve the rezoning for the Sopori and La Mesa projects in the Tubac area. What happened to the democratic process that our government is supposedly based on? Let me see if I get this straight.

-Mr. Ruiz and Mr. Damon appointed members to the Planning and Zoning Board to represent their respective districts.

-Mr. Ruiz and Mr. Damon were involved in the Santa Cruz County Comprehensive Plan and approved it.

-Mr. Ruiz and Mr. Damon do not represent District 3 or its constituents.

Yet,

-They overturned the rulings of their own representatives of the P&Z Board to allow the rezoning to happen.

-They overturned the SCC Comprehensive Plan, which they initially approved, twice to allow the rezoning to occur. This approval, now, has opened the door for a host of additional changes to our county.

-And, they still did not represent District 3 or its constituents.

Now, if a proposed project was disagreeable to the constituents of Dists. 1 and 2, and their constituents appeared in person to contest a proposed plan, would these two Supervisors still vote to approve it? Would they call their own constituents "whiners" because they voice their opinion? Since those constituents elect them, I doubt it. If constituents voicing their opinion "push Mr. Ruiz over the fence," perhaps he should find another occupation. I ask the residents of Dists. 1 and 2 "What would your reaction be if this occurred in your community? Eighty-five people spoke against, five people for, and Mr. Ruiz and Mr. Damon did not listen. Tubac is a unique village and brings tourist dollars to Santa Cruz County. Its character will be changed forever with these two subdivisions.

A referendum is in process to overturn the decision to allow the proposed La Mesa and Sopori projects. I urge all voters of Santa Cruz County to sign the petition and put this referendum on the ballot. Let's have decisions made for Santa Cruz County based on facts, inputs, studies and constituents' wishes, and not based on vindictiveness, irritation and emotions. This vote was an embarrassment to the political process of Santa Cruz County and should be overturned.

As a lifelong property owner in Santa Cruz County, let's don't lose any more of our "county" to unplanned growth and major housing projects, golf courses, and shopping malls. Let's stay within the Comprehensive Plan. Please retain our heritage and culture that is unique to Santa Cruz County. Get the referendum on the ballot and get that vote overturned.

(Editor's note: Sharp currently resides in Taos, N.M.)