New Elected Position in the County?

We hear that Pierce County may consider asking voters to approve a new elected position for the county called Environment and Lands Commissioner.

The new Commissioner would oversee Pierce County’s Planning and Land Services Department  , the department responsible for planning, permits, code enforcement and environmental protection. Currently those responsibilities are under PALS Director Chuck Kleeberg, a position that would also be overseen by the new Commissioner.

The ordinance was introduced Tuesday and was referred to the Rules Committee for consideration. If it makes it as far as the County Council, they’ll hear it on July 10.

Putting land planning in the hands of an elected official might make them more accountable to voters (the full time position would be up for election every four years). On the other hand, something as sensitive and complex as permitting entering the political sphere could create the opportunity for considerable abuse.

What do you think?