Chilberg’s New Post ‘Politically Charged’

Skip Chilberg will join a three-member panel charged with hearing local appeals to the state Growth Management Act.

Judy Wall, a citizens activist from Chelan County and Tom Williams, an attorney and former Walla Walla mayor, also serve on the Eastern Washington Growth Planning Hearings Board.

The Yakima-based board issued 25 decisions last year on challenges to the way city and county governments apply growth laws.

Some of the cases dealt with the public-participation process, others touched on the definition of forest, agricultural land, and critical environmental areas.

“We’re dealing with some very emotional issues, particularly critical areas,” said Williams.

“It’s politically charged and somewhat polarized. It’s one of those things if you have everyone upset, you’re doing a pretty good job.”

Chilberg will complete the final three years of the six-year term of Graham Tollefson, a former Yakikma County commissioner who resigned for health reasons.