Sonny LaSalle said the new group is focused on preserving the growth policy rather than promoting zoning.

He said the group is bipartisan and includes people from all ages and walks of life in the Bitterroot Valley.

“We don’t know whether we’re for zoning and streamside setbacks yet, but right now the growth policy is what’s important,” he said. “We want to inject some truth into the rumor mill that’s been running. We want to protect local values and keep local control.”

Citizens for Ravalli County’s Future formed about two weeks ago and has raised thousands of dollars for public outreach, including more than 100 yard signs.

Two recent donors contributed $3,000 and $2,500 to get the word out about the benefits of the growth policy, LaSalle said.

With time running out before the election, land-use advocates said they must reach voters now, especially those casting absentee ballots. More than 5,000 absentee ballots have been distributed so far.

Land-use advocates also plan to step up their campaign of letters to the editor and opinion columns in local newspapers.

“We’re a little bit on the frantic side given how close we are to the election, but we’re confident people will do the right thing,” LaSalle said.

More than 400 residents serving on county commission-appointed advisory boards have spent thousands of hours over the past decade creating the growth policy and crafting proposed regulations for zoning and streamside setbacks, he said.

Many people are confused about the wording of the growth policy ballot, so educating voters is critical, LaSalle said.

“My fear is that people will vote out of ignorance of what’s in the policy, so they should take the time to read it before voting,” he said.

More information is available at 375-9317 or www.citizens4ravallisfuture.org.

Reporter John Cramer can be reached at 363-3300 or jcramer@ravallirepublic.com

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boberto wrote on Oct 11, 2008 10:45 PM:

" The opposition to the growth policy has resorted to the oldest tactic in the books. They are trying to scare people into thinking that the growth policy and zoning are one in the same. They are counting upon your ignorance. Prey upon the weak is their mantra. Don't fall for it. Make an informed decision. Once you realise the truth, let someone else know what you've learned. Don't just blindly believe all of the signs you see. "

Mary Morris wrote on Oct 11, 2008 12:51 PM:

" It's great to see support of preserving the hard work put into the Growth Policy for generations to come. I believe there are a majority of calm, logical folks who are going to vote no on the repeal. I just hope we vote early by absentee or get out there in full force on November 4! "

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