Without question, county government has seriously mismanaged the short-term rental zoning issue.

County commissioners have admitted illegally permitting short-term rentals, aka mini motel businesses, in specific residential zones and have subsequently attempted to walk this error back. Their efforts to rectify their zoning violation has resulted in a costly countywide ballot measure and more recently a lawsuit against the county. All this at taxpayers’ expense, of course, so thank you county commissioners for that.

The real issue here is not just the legality of operating short-term rentals in certain residential zones, it’s about inept county government.

Commissioner Pamela Wev appears to be the only one who understands what is transpiring here, and I guess that makes sense based on her background in land use and planning. It is unfortunate the upcoming May 16 ballot measure to undo the county’s illegal zoning actions will not also include a box that citizens can check to recall county commissioners.

Maybe it’s not too late to add one?

Jim Aalberg

Warrenton