PUD clears Marrowstone water project; foes may sue

By Stuart Eskenazi
Seattle Times staff reporter

E-mail this article Print this article Search archive

The vote, subject to final approval, came even though 45 percent of property owners — or more, according to foes — have indicated they don't want one.

Debate over the system has divided the island southeast of Port Townsend. While some residents with contaminated wells need a new water source, others fear public water would promote development and spoil their way of life.

After considering alternatives, including a scaled-down system, commissioners "felt enough people really needed water bad enough that it justified their vote," said Jim Parker, director of Jefferson County Public Utility District No. 1.

Foes are threatening to sue.

"The process has been undemocratic and manipulated with incredible bias against those of us against the system," opponent Wayne Chimenti said.

The dispute centers on the number of land parcels on the island. Opponents believe owners of more than half the parcels filed formal protests against the water system — a simple majority that by law should have killed the deal.

But PUD officials say opposition totals about 45 percent.

Chimenti said the PUD is shrinking the percentage by counting parcels that are either too small for development or tax-exempt, such as the local cemetery.

But PUD attorney Malcolm Harris said the law requires every parcel be counted. "It doesn't matter who owns the land or what the status of it is, each parcel gets the equivalent of one vote," he said.

The final PUD vote is next week, but neither Parker nor Harris said they expect commissioners to change their minds.

Stuart Eskenazi: 206-464-2293 or seskenazi@seattletimes.com

Copyright © 2004 The Seattle Times Company