Mariposa County embraces a bizarre policy that actually pits neighbors against neighbors and fellow residents against each other.

Department heads, whether it’s planning, building, health, public works, or any of the others, don’t respond to allegations of any type of wrong-doing or circumvention of county ordinances, policies or rules without a formal complaint. That formal complaint has to be made by a citizen.

So if a staff member of the building department happens to drive by a piece of property that appears to have been improved, this policy dictates that no action is to be taken unless a formal complaint is received.

Therefore, if someone sees a neighbor constructing a garage, or putting on a new roof, or diverting a creek, an anonymous report will do nothing. A formal complaint, signed by the complaintant, has to be filed.

Many people who life in Mariposa County have deep feelings about personal property rights, and some don’t know, or even want to know, their neighbor.

So if a formal complaint is made, and action is actually taken by the county, who is pitted against who?

It basically means that the citizens of this county are performing the duties of paid county employees that should be under direction to act appropriately when an infraction is discovered. If that isn’t the case, aren’t we actually paying department heads not to fulfill the duties of their position.

Neighbors in Cathey’s Valley have witnessed events and buses stopping at Coyote Springs Ranch. When a member of the sheriff’s department managed to secure photographs that authenticated those events taking place in a red-tagged barn, what happened? Nothing. Zero. Nada.

Even though absolute proof was provided, those types of infractions continue at CSR without sanctions or actions by the county. There wasn’t a formal complaint filed.

The sitting board of supervisors needs to take a hard look at a policy designed to keep politicians in office and department heads from becoming the “bad guy” in performing the duties they are paid for.
R.D. Tucker
GAZETTE PUBLISHER