What business is SLO County in? 

Thank you, New Times, for considering the sensitive issue facing the Huasna Valley (“We’ll get back to you,” July 21).

I attended four of the five meetings referred to in Colin Rigley’s story, and
for the life of me, I can’t figure out why the county would approve a project that may do so much financial harm to our county.

This single project, with its problems, if approved, may be only the first of many failing oil ventures in our county.

What’s at stake? The reputation that SLO County has become pro-oil development!

What will that mean to residents? A huge cost to the county in reduced property values and property taxes and specifically, if you live within a neighborhood where oil may be explored (that impact potentially covers dozens of square miles), you may not be able to sell your home! That’s right: You may not be able to sell your home! And it’s already happening today; would you buy a home in an oil field?

What is the bigger picture if the county becomes pro-oil development? Retiring couples and second-home purchasers attracted to our area will avoid rural areas in SLO County and may consider other coastal counties like Santa Barbara or Monterey County; small business owners looking to invest and relocate to SLO for an improved lifestyle may be put off by a pro-oil development energy plan; disgruntled residents impacted by pro-oil may choose to relocate.

Pristine beaches, stunning coastal valleys, clean air, low crime, a top-notch university—a great place to live, work, learn, retire and visit! What business are we in in San Luis Obispo County?