SOAR ( Save Our Open Space and Agricultural Resources ) is ten years old. SOAR moves local zoning changes from the power of elected officials and directly into the hands of citizens.
I like the ideas behind SOAR. Citizens cannot easily be bribed, influenced, cajoled, threatened, or lobbied like elected officials who need cash to run again.
But of course, individual voters might not respect property rights of individuals and developers. Also, it might cost more to inform the voters of the benefits of a project, then to convince elected officials. And if voters, vote down a zoning change, doesn't that open the government to lawsuits?
Anyways here is a editorial printed in the Star about an upcoming party in the park. But of course they will only use 10 % of the park because they are setting aside the rest as open space. ( thanks for that joke, Tim!)
