As we mentioned in previous posts, Seminole County has been falsely claiming that we lacked material facts to support our challenge of the Yankee Lake water withdrawal permit and that we only intended to unreasonably delay the project. Despite evidence to the contrary, Seminole County filed a motion seeking attorney’s fees from St. Johns Riverkeeper and the City of Jacksonville.
Well, Judge J. Lawrence Johnston has issued his Final Order.
Johnston's decision - Seminole's motion is DENIED.
This is an important decision. If Judge Johnston had somehow ruled in Seminole's favor, it could have established a dangerous precedent by making it more difficult for citizens and local governments to challenge permit decisions that pose a potential risk to the health of our waterways.
We're obviously pleased that Judge Johnston ruled that Seminole County's SLAPP suit was baseless. However, it is sad that a citizen-based noprofit organization and a local municipality are forced to spend tens of thousands of dollars in legal costs to defend their CONSTITUTIONAL right to petition the government to protect these irreplacable natural assets.
We hope the citizens of Seminole County will let their elected officials know that they are tired of their tax dollars being wasted on attempts to silence citizens with legitimate concerns who are only trying to make sure our river is adequately protected and that our water resources are not exploited.
December 22, 2009
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1 comments:
It is a historic day indeed. Having been raised in Seminole County, it has been interesting to hear my predessesors and peers deal with the way things are done here. We are a people with no connection to our govorning body, a complete disconnect has occoured. That is not to say that there is no political machine, rather that it is run for the advantage of a small elite group. If any action pleases the good ol boys, than that is the direction the wind now blows. I am impressed that you and your group have been able to stand against this foul storm.
Your good group have another thing to be grateful for, please recognize its value. You are located where you are, and not in Seminole county. The river is too great a resource to let a small group of corrupt powermongers destroy for their own gain. We have Lake Jesup here, and it becomes more of a cesspool and noise dump every day under the good ol boys control. If the Riverkeeper were dealing with a local government like ours each day, eventually you would be worn down and rendered helpless. By remaining allied with Jacksonville and Duval, you can remain engaged and strong.
Thank you for all you have done for the river and for us all......
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