Planning for storm water is good idea

There are some people in Whitefish who will criticize the city's proposal to temporarily rein in development while it takes a close look at storm water management, labeling the move drastic and unnecessary, but we don't think so.

This is not a case of Big Brother telling citizens what they can do with their private property. It's a case of sound planning that will protect everyone's private property.

Time and again, private property rights advocates have misconstrued planning efforts in Flathead County.

In fact, Whitefish is following right on the heels of an attempt by the county to place a moratorium on growth policy amendments, an idea that is reported to be dead on arrival.

That conclusion is based on the views of the vocal opposition that attended a July 5 hearing before the county commissioners. But from what we can see in the valley, the opinions of a few people in a meeting room do not reflect the concerns of the public at large.

It is easy to inflame property owners by bringing up the dreaded words zoning and regulation. To make matters worse, the U.S. Supreme Court recently threw fuel on the fire with its June 23 ruling that local governments may seize people's homes and businesses for private economic development.

Storm water management is clearly in the public interest, as are roads, drinking water, sewage treatment and emergency services. Opponents to the city's proposal for interim "emergency" zoning should focus on the physical facts of the situation and save their philosophizing for other issues.