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<br />.----- <br /> <br />Wetland buffers (Anoka County Union, March 27, 2009) <br /> <br />To the Editor: <br /> <br />The citizens of Ramsey should be concerned with statements that Mayor Ramsey and several <br />council members have made in regard to wetland buffers at a recent council meeting. <br /> <br />Furthermore, statements made by Mayor Ramsey in the Anoka Union declaring wetland buffers <br />"unconstitutional" should alarm Ramsey residents and question his ability to lead our tine city. <br /> <br />How can an elected official claim an ordinance is "unconstitutional" as a matter of fact without <br />any proof to this statement? I didn't realize that MayorRamsey was a constitutional lawyer or <br />judge that could know if an ordinance is constitutional or not. <br /> <br />There are hundreds if not thousands of cities, watershed districts, etc. across this country that <br />have wetland buffer ordinances in place. These ordinances are there to protect our natural <br />resources and the quality of our water. <br /> <br />Mayor Ramsey has stated that this is a "taking of land." How is this any different than <br />ordinances for easements for utilities and right of ways for roads? Does Mayor Ramsey consider <br />all of these ordinances as "unconstitutional' or just one that he and a few of his select supporters <br />do not like? <br /> <br />There have been no developments in the city since this ordinance went into effect so the city has <br />yet to see if there are any problems with the ordinance. There is the ability in the ordinance to <br />request a variance or to relook at wetland classification. <br /> <br />However, instead of working within the confines of the ordinance and see how effective it is as <br />developments start again in the city, the mayor and many on the city council want to appease a <br />few special interests. <br /> <br />The citizens of Ramsey need to make their voices heard before a select few ruin the remaining <br />natural resources that are left in the city. I urge all of you to call or e-mail the mayor and city <br />council members plus attend a public hearing before the Planning Commission on April 2. <br /> <br />:nus public hearing is being held to- get input into repealing the wetland buffer ordinance. Let <br />them know that our natural resources and water quality are important to you! <br /> <br />Sincerely, <br />Robert SibUski <br />Ramsey <br />