Letter: Lowcountry demands more than status quo on development

The coordinated protection of quality of life and the environment in the Lowcountry has taken on an urgency to counter the negative consequences of relentless development pressure.

Numerous government agencies are charged with duties that impact the future of our beloved Lowcountry. Our citizenry is at times confused and befuddled as to how to protect the way of life we have grown to cherish.

With this conundrum in mind, we propose the need for a special representative to advocate on behalf of citizens ... i.e. an "ombudsman" for quality-of-life and environmental issues. ("Ombudsman" is of Swedish origin and translates to mean "representative.")

Yes, an independent "Environmental Ombudsman." A person (perhaps aided by a committee) to whom citizens (including business interests) could appeal and who would review permit applications ... investigate citizen complaints ... educate and marshal citizen participation ... monitor environmental standards and planning ... and advocate before boards, commissions and the judiciary.

Our ombudsman could be a competitively elected county official (for a specified term) whose tenure would be at the pleasure of the citizenry whom he or she will serve. He or she would not have direct-line responsibility but would advocate for citizens. Town, county and state agencies, etc., would be committed to formally act on the ombudsman's findings and recommendations.

Yes, ladies and gentlemen, it has come to this -- the status quo is not working. We need help if we are to protect what we hold dear.

George Johnston

Dataw Island

This story was originally published January 21, 2016 at 7:17 AM with the headline "Letter: Lowcountry demands more than status quo on development."