The people of Island County were doing just fine until WEAN sued the county to force the tightening of land use ordinances. I saw no reports in the newspaper or from neighbors about anyone complaining because someone’s cow was bellowing. I didn’t need to be a designated farmer to have a few chickens and a cow or two. I got a swamp on the lower end of my property that I didn’t bother with, mainly because I don’t want to get muddy, nor do I want cows or chickens wading around in the muck. I don’t know about reduced taxes because I raise food for my family’s use, not to sell. I wonder how many string beans and corn I would have to sell to make $1,000 a year. WEAN claims to be for the farmer, but aren’t they the ones who created this mess?

WEAN started this business of tightening up the ordinances, and I got an interesting list of choices to replace my chickens and cows: I could open a church, but then, I can’t carry a tune; or I could open a fire station, but I’m satisfied with the local one we already have. I certainly will not open a daycare. I got enough trouble with my flock of chickens. A bed and breakfast is an option. Wonder if the guests would like to help me weed the garden or maybe clean the chicken house.

I can have a water tank 32-feet across. What in the blue-eyed world would I want that for?

WEAN got this whole mess started, and I for one blame them for all our troubles and don’t feel they are for the farmer at all. Do they have a hidden agenda, and if they do, what is it?

Richard Brauer

Langley