INSIDE
2004 In Review
Point Roberts Taxpayers

By Michael Rosser

This year the taxpayers board spent a great deal of time deliberating on the possible formation of a Rural Advisory Committee (RAC). We discussed the matter in detail with our membership, with other community groups, and with Whatcom County.

For a time it seemed that Point Roberts would finally have a forum for mediating the diversity of opinion in our community. Whatcom County planners originally proposed the idea of a Rural Advisory Committee; the first group to be officially recognized by county government as the definitive voice of Point Roberts. Eventually, county executive Pete Kremen appointed a committee that was both diverse and politically experienced, however; some, members of the public were either upset with the choice of appointees or afraid of changes they might propose.

No political structure is perfect, but they are needed because they allow communities to communicate and find ways to live together. A few people in Point Roberts took it upon themselves to undermine the RAC rather than accept the possibility of compromise. Pete Kremen killed the RAC because of pressure by these people.

Point Roberts has much in common with other communities, but it still lacks a local government. Whatcom County has always used this lack of consensus as an excuse for not addressing local concerns. This situation will not change until the county creates or recognizes a local body like the RAC.

This year property rights advocates mounted a campaign to eliminate the laws that protect forests and archeological sites in Point Roberts. The taxpayer’s association was the lone voice to stand in defense of environmental protection for our community. While we were effective in protecting the law, it’s difficult to know if the law actually protects the trees. Only where the trees are clear-cut, do we suddenly notice the forest gone. We still see too much irresponsible logging in our community.

Point Roberts is unique in Whatcom County in that it is the only community that has large and frequent logging operations that result in no development.

No property owner should be prevented from cutting trees to build or maintain a home, but no community should be burdened with unsightly and unnecessary clear cuts that degrade the environment and erode property values. The modest restrictions of the Point Roberts TRO present no practical or financial restriction to development, nor does it prevent a landowner from enjoying their property. The TRO is simply a set of practical specifications that integrate both environmental and development practices. The taxpayer’s association will continue to support tree retention because it is respectful of the individual, the community and the environment.

We worked with the Non-Motorized Transportation Committee (NMTC) to put forward a proposal to Whatcom County to fund a high quality, multi-use path along Tyee Drive. We met with county engineers to discuss ideas and alternatives. Later that summer, county engineers presented several options to the public at an open house. A paved path, separated from the road, continues to be the most popular option. We are hopeful that the county will build a paved path along Tyee Drive this summer.

We will continue to work with the NMTC and the county, to advocate for a community-wide system of routes that will be an enjoyable and effective alternative to motorized transportation.

What We Do
We have the broad mandate to act on any issue that affects our membership. We lobby all branches of government on their behalf. We monitor Point Roberts tax districts and advise Whatcom County government on planning and development issues. We work to promote an improved quality of life for all of Point Roberts.

The taxpayer’s association is the only community group that actively promotes environmental conservation and sustainable development. The taxpayer’s association is the largest, most representative, most democratic, community group in Point Roberts. We are funded by our membership, annual dues are $5 per person. Our meetings are open to the public, and guests are welcome.

Comments and inquiries can be sent to Point Roberts Taxpayers, P.O. Box 158, Point Roberts, WA, 98281.