ACRG Survey -- Responses & Comments
(ACRG = Amador Citizens for Responsible Government)
271 persons, as of May 23, 2008, responded to the following ACRG Survey and these surveys were submitted to County Planning Department:
268 own property in Amador county; 3 do not. 224 are residents of the county; 39 are not.
238 agreed with this statement: "I am (we are) very concerned that the County is considering any actions that would change land use designations on properties which would effectively result in “Down Zoning.” This will certainly devalue any such properties, and is very unfair to property owners."
256 agreed with this statement: "I (we) strongly oppose use of any “Watershed Overlay” or “Headwaters Overlay” districts. I am (we are) very concerned that (1) these represent a duplication of existing regulations in some cases, (2) these pose the threat of substantial new and unnecessary regulations, and (3) these overlays will result in additional burdensome regulations in the future."
Comments written on surveys:
"I am very upset about this."
"I 'do not' want the environmentalist telling us what we should (or should not) do with our private property."
"I am strongly opposed to all of the above changes."
"I am a homeowner in Amador Pines and I am very concerned about the County considering actions to change land use designations effectively down zoning my property potentially lowering my property value. Do I have any rights to protect my property? I strongly oppose use of any watershed overlay or headwaters overlay districts. I am concerned that these pose potentially new & unnecessary regulations or duplicate existing regulations and may result in future additional burdensome regulations. Thank you for addressing my concerns." [Bold in original]
"1. Where were you during all the GPAC meetings--then was the time for the input! 2. Safe drinking water comes from the watershed! We need safeguards! This smacks of "big" businessmen--landowners interested in their own agendas, not the county as a whole--or their self interests!" (Note: 1. Many people did express these concerns during the GPAC meetings, and as very fortunate citizens of a free country, we are free to express our concerns to the government at any time without limitation, and 2. There are substantial Federal and State laws protecting drinking water....many citizens are concerned about the duplication (and triplication) of government regulations, all addressing the same exact issue--ACRG)
"Although we do not intend to sell our ranch, we are concerned about the water issues, primarily. Since we don't reside in Amador County, has there been Public Notice--in newspaper or? This is the first we've heard of this."
"We would like to see more information on the watershed proposals before offering comment on them. Where can we get text of the proposals?
"Amador County does not need to acquire more open space."
"County, State & Environmental groups are continuously taking the rights of private property owners away. This needs to 'Stop'."
"Also I support challenges to scientific consensus on Global Warming."
"Any infringement on Private Property ownership / use restrictions should be opposed at all costs---"
"I wish you would enforce the regulations on the books. My neighbor has a junk yard & selling & collecting vehicles with no permits whatsoever."
"No more government rules--Leave the land owner alone!"
"I am interested in attending one of your committee meetings regarding the above issues. Contact me at (omitted)"
"We need intelligent and responsible growth for this county to prosper and continue to provide the quality of life we are all used to."
"Will there be a public meeting in the near future regarding these proposed issues? What is the current general plan vs. the proposed general plan? Can it be revised on a whim by the County?"
"I own two small properties. (addresses omitted). Thanks for keeping me informed. 'No new taxes or regulations.' "
"We feel there are enough State & Federal regulation concerning watershed issues. The County doesn't need to impose additional ones."
"Count on my support!!! Private property rights are being abused by nearly every agency involved."
"This sounds like eminent domain which we strongly oppose. We are voting yes on Prop 98 also. It is no different than stealing from property owners."
"Private property rights are protected by the Constitution of the United States of America."
"I am delighted that Amador County IS updating the General Plan. Way too much ugly development." (unsigned)
"We have 47 ac and want to split off 5 to 10 ac."
"Would like to know more about General Plan Update. --What is going on? I need to know more before I can say for sure I oppose all the changes."
"There's already too many 'State & Federal Controls' on water & water runoff. We don't need more."
"Governmental Controls are already too over reaching. More regulation is a waste of tax money."
"Our property rights need to be protected. I have agricultural land. A watershed overlay designation placed could restrict any animal use. This is wrong!!"
"I agree with the concept of Property Rights and the owner having control of his land."
"We have been at the GPAC Mtg & I think this Watershed Overlay stuff is full of Bull! Thanks for working on this. Saw you at the meeting."
"I/We are opposed to 'Blanket' rezoning to satisfy the Wants Of A Few."
"We do not want to see explosive uncontrolled growth. Just sensible slow growth. We certainly do not want these Marxists from S.F. coming here with their Lofty attitudes, telling us how to live."
"It appears that the Silent Majority is losing ground."
"Amador County parcel (omitted) between Jackson and Mokelumne River, very concerned about watershed overlay restrictions."
"The Constitution gives the Government no power to limit private property rights."
"No more fingers in our Pie!" (One of our favorites!)
"New regulations not only Steal our Property Rights but create new fees to steal our money."
"I'm getting tired of government trying to micro manage everything, tax this--tax that and we get nothing. Cut the bureaucracy."
"Please do not impose on the property owner of Amador County the regulations the enviromentalists are pushing for this would negatively impact the quality of life in Amador County. It will also ruin property values in our County."
"I feel these suggestions come at the bidding of developers who wish to make big money by taking away our treasured lifestyle. Don't give in!!"
"Any zone change should be up to the respective property owner, no one else."
"No Changes."
"Owning property in Amador County for over 20 years, we are very aware of the group (some not property owners) who would like to control the county. We are in favor of responsible, well planned growth. Thank you for supporting our common concerns."
"In some ways we welcome the zone changes but the County needs to realize that we cannot close out growth but must control it with other means of planning, ie: roads/access/rel. use/"
"We have too much Govt. as it is. Amador is great the way it is--please don't change it."
"Government regulation of privately owned personal (not Incs. or corporate) is unacceptable."
"We wish the County officials would take action against the people who built across our access road into our property (without proper permits). We stand behind you 100%. Please notify us of any special meetings of this concern."
"We have too many rules and regulations now...More & more residences & businesses will keep moving out. Stop excessive control."
"Just say NO to Radical enviromentalists wo want to control land use without buying the property! Move to Cuba!"
"Who are the County People that are trying to do this and their purpose? (For the people, by the people). I read that somewhere."
"Please send me info on joining Amador Citizens & about the group. See below mailing address or e-mail to (omitted)."
"I found out that a group of well funded people are buying up land along creeks to give to the State. They do not record the purchase, they do not record the survey and they do not inform the neighbors."
"I am against any pandering to environazies & they represent only a small percent of County's citizens but are very vocal."
"As property owners and Voters, we Strongly oppose more government interference."
"Do not want any Down Zoning. We have 120 ac in a 40 ac zone next to a 5 ac zoned subdivision."
"Property owners paid for their water rights and should be reimbursed for any taken from them."
"Enough bureaucracy!!! Enough government control over our personal lives & property! Our personal plans have already been restricted for (3) years by this County because of their lengthy 'General Plan' process!"
"The County has too much control of your property now."
"I cannot afford to help out at this time, but I am very concerned about these issues. Thank you."
"Why doesn't the County find a way to handle Jackson's wastewater problem and fix our roads and leave the property owners and their property alone."
"I strongly believe that there is some hidden agenda. Primarily having to do with money going to someone who has no interest in this county. There is enough going on in just Jackson. I own property in this county because it is rural and quiet. Please don't ruin it for the many who have retired here. There exists a large amount of land that has been ruined for houses that have not been built or have been and remain empty."
"Business owner, property owner, long term residents."
"It is scary to think of giving even more of our rights to the government. They have not done a good job yet!!!"
"I own my own property so I can manage it effectively without bureaucratic interference, and I wish it to remain that way. These 'plans' are socialistic."
"Donation inside." (Note: we at ACRG really liked this one!)
"Anonymous" (Note: we only received two like this without a name & address.)
(Note: Comments have been slightly edited only for correct spelling and grammar.)