Planned Parenthood Gets Council OK

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By Ruth Johnson

Summary

After an arduous five months, Planned Parenthood has received approval from the City of Pasco to locate an office on Court Street.

Story Published: Nov 17, 2009 at 1:19 AM PST

PASCO -- After an arduous five months, Planned Parenthood has received approval from the City of Pasco to locate an office on Court Street.

The battle to gain a permit in order to do business on the west side of the city began in June, when dozens of people showed up for a public hearing before the Planning Commission on the topic. They jammed the hall, sat on the floors, and lined the walls. They virtually rushed to the podium to speak. While there, several became teary-eyed.

The Planning Commission tabled the issue in July and August. By September, they'd voted to advise the City Council to deny a permit. They did so based upon their interpretation of a portion of the municipal code that applies to new businesses.

Planned Parenthood appealed.

Monday, City Council members made it clear quickly, that their interpretation of the municipal code differs from that of the Planning Commission. Al Yenney got things started by going into detail about his research into the law as it applies to Planned Parenthood's request.

He said, "In my opinion, the City of Pasco has no ordinance to be able to deny the permit..." He added later, "This city council cannot legally deny issuing this special use permit."

The city attorney, when asked about Yenney's interpretation of the law, agreed.

As the meeting continued, several council members spoke about the necessity to look at the request strictly as a land-use matter, and to focus only on law.

Bob Hoffmann disagreed. He cited instances of decisions being made by the high court that were colored by things other than the law. He appeared irate when he said,

"Here we are on this commission (sic) being told we must argue with specific criteria as legal issues, but the reason we're here is because of laws passed on non-legal issues, and we're supposed to sit here and argue strictly legal issues."

He was referring to Roe-VS-Wade, and it was clear that he opposed giving Planned Parenthood any opportunity to do business in Pasco.

Hoffman and Tom Larsen were the only two council members to vote against the permit request. Rebecca Francik, Matt Watkins, Mike Garrison, Carol Olson, and Al Yenney all voted in favor.

Reaction was swift. Those carrying signs quickly exited, several shouting: Your law, not ours. We obey God. You obey man."

Meanwhile, opponent George Nuxoll, said, "It's tragic that we are willing to kill children and we do it based on land use."

Later, the COO of Planned Parenthood, Karl Eastlund, praised the decision, and said, "What's important for us is how much support we have in the community. So many people have reached out to us, and encouraged us to continue this fight to open this health center."

Eastlund said the building they own on West Court Street will be remodeled, and he expects that the doors will open by spring.