Commission Wanted to do Right Thing, Agreed to Wait

The Pasco Planning Commission almost did the right thing last night at its meeting. It was ready to vote no on Planned Parenthood of Central Washington's permit application, by a margin of 5 against, 1 in favour, and 2 abstentions.

But Rick White, Pasco's community and economic development director, convinced a majority of the commissioners that their rationale didn't line up closely enough with the six criteria that must be used, and left them vulnerable to a lawsuit.

As a result, they voted to table the decision for one month. Two commissioners disagreed with Mr. White. Todd Samuel, commission chair, wanted to go ahead and vote now. Jana Kempf agreed with him.

Mr. Samuel cited many of the concerns of residents in explaining his vote, including the damage to the neighborhood, and the expected decline in property values. He also pointed out that the argument that the community was in need of low-income reproductive health care services was bogus, because of the presence of numerous existing local alternatives.

According to the Tri-City Herald, which has been criticized for being a propaganda outlet for Planned Parenthood, Mr. White cited an extremely controversial court ruling. "[He] said a previous court case prevented the commission from considering the presence of legal or illegal protesters in denying the permit."

Commission members Tony Schouviller, James Hay, Jana Kempf, David Little, and Todd Samuel sided with the community, and voted to protect Pasco children from Planned Parenthood.

The abortion industry only managed to get one vote, from Dr. Ray Rose, who had previously indicated his support for population control, and reiterated last night that he didn't think Planned Parenthood's massive moral outrages should be a factor in the commission's decision.

One commissioner abstained, citing his wife's public support for Planned Parenthood.

There was clear concern that Planned Parenthood might summon the help of their friends in the judiciary and try to force their way into Pasco. Planned Parenthood has a long track record of going to court when they can't get their way via the democratic process. And because of their hugely deep pockets, lined in part from illegal Medicaid revenues, they have the financial resources available.

It is expected that residents of Pasco will continue to work over the next month to ensure the commissioners stick with their convictions and stand up for the health and well being of Pasco children.