Editor:

I enjoyed Ryan Burns' article on the Humboldt County Planning Commission's review of the General Plan Update ("Deliberate," July 15). However, Commissioner Mayo's statement that he is there to represent private property interests concerns me a great deal, because it does not represent an accurate perspective on the job of a planning commissioner. County and state law charges all planning commissioners with safeguarding public health, safety and welfare while placing the fewest restrictions possible on property rights. County zoning regulations specifically outline the duties of the Planning Commission, which are to make recommendations to the Board of Supervisors on plans and development with these overarching goals:

1) to promote and protect the public health, safety, comfort, convenience, and general welfare;

2) to promote sound and orderly development;

3) assure social and economic stability;

4) and to accomplish these objectives with the fewest possible restrictions on freedom of citizen's use of their property.

The Commission and Board of Supervisors indeed have a difficult challenge. I am very appreciative of the hard work and public service put in by all of our Planning Commissioners. I hope each of them will keep these guidelines in mind as they continue their deliberations on the General Plan Update. All of the interests in our community must be considered as we develop the plan that will preserve our quality of life today, and for future generations of County residents.

Jennifer Kalt, Healthy Humboldt Coalition, McKinleyville