Dear editor:

In response to Park County Planning Director Joy Jill, 

Ms. Hill, 

• I did not refer to you as an elected official, but as a “hired planner.” 

In my letter to our elected Park County Commissioners I DID ask why they deferred to the advice you clearly stated during Comments on the Land Use Plan in 2023; “Executing a mailed survey is an enormous expense for the county. In this day and age, most people utilize the  internet and social media to obtain and submit information. We went to great lengths to spread  the word about the multiple surveys and meetings that were held throughout the process  (newspaper, radio, movie theaters, flyers, Facebook, website, LUPAC outreach and more). We can’t force people to participate.” While you were the author of the advice, they gave no  thought to how mistaken that approach was. So I’ll blame our elected county commissioners. 

• I did not say you approved any budget. I blamed our elected county commissioners.

• I did not say you selected, hired or paid any consultants. I blamed our elected county commissioners. 

• I did not say you designed the postcard, but you did endorse using it (flyers) as one of “the great lengths to spread the word” as quoted above. You also wrote in your May 6 email to me, “Unfortunately, we have tried numerous attempts to involve the public both in-person and online, but we can’t force people to participate.” When I asked if your methods could be flawed, you never replied. You did not say, “I don’t know, I’ll ask the board,” which would have shown  that you alone were not in charge. 

• I did not say you prepared any zoning maps. 

You have not been slandered, defamed, stalked and harassed by me. False information about you has not been spread by me. Your family’s safety has not been impacted by me.  

Your own words have been reported by me. Dismissive words like “the public,” instead of property owners. Your unprofessional and disrespectful, “how much do we have to cater to the public” remark, showing your disdain for the people you were hired to serve. The reported incidents by property owners of your authoritarian attitude, and arbitrary performance of your position. Your own condescending words and actions toward property owners seeking your services have not reflected your claimed focus of “assisting them with reaching their goals.”  

If you truly believe you are being blamed for things you do not have control over, I suggest you take it  up with your employers, or engage in some quiet introspection. 

Kay Anderson

Powell