Orin Wells (R)

Orin Wells (R)

King County Council, District 5

RESPONSE RECEIVED: August 30

1. Why is historic preservation important?

"History is Philosophy teaching by examples" - Thucydides 460-400 BC. Although history was clearly revered by some as far back as 2,500 years ago, so much of our past has been lost over time because no one was there to preserve the present for the future. History and the preservation of it is man's link to his past. Through history and historical artifacts we can at once be impressed by the skills of our ancestors and derive idea for progress for the future. Much knowledge of the centuries has been lost to present man and we have yet to duplicate some engineering fetes of the ancients. We owe it to our descendents to preserve the present and the past. For they must understand the past in order to appreciate the future.

2. What should government's role be in local, state, and national preservation issues, concerns, and opportunities?

Government should, guided by the direction of the citizens, enable the preservation of both the present and the past. It is an expense that is well worth the investment. Government must balance the need of the present with the needs of the future. But it must not be done at the expense of our history. Government should always look for opportunities to engage the citizens and government in a cooperative effort to preserve our common past. Sometimes history is "found" when new development is in progress. At such times it is an obligation for all to take advantage of such discoveries and give priority to the necessary preservation.

3. What is your track record of supporting local historic preservation programs?

I have not been directly engaged in local historic programs. However, I have been long engaged in genealogical research that has enabled hundreds of researchers to better understand their own history and to document it for later generations. I believe this is as important as preserving objects.

4. Local government entities own many historic properties, both designated as well as eligible for designation as landmarks. What is your position on the stewardship of these properties? What amount of funding for maintenance and rehabilitation would you support for these properties?

While I would support funding for preservation and maintenance of important historical properties, I have not studied this issue so I do not know what is currently being spent or what those engaged in the work think is necessary. I could not give a figure on what I would support at this time. It would depend on revenues available and a review of all programs and projects all of which always believe they should have priority.

5. What policy changes would you support to strengthen protections for designated landmarks?

Again this is a subject that I am not versed on at this point. I do not know what policies are in place so I can not suggest what changes should be made.

6. What policy changes would you support to strengthen protections for buildings which have previously been surveyed and were determined to be eligible for a landmark designation?

Again, I do not know what policies are in place so I can not suggest any changes.

7. What policy changes would you support to strengthen protections for older buildings which have not yet been surveyed and have not been evaluated for eligibility for a landmark designation?

Once again, I do not know the current policies and can not suggest what changes should be made.

8. In communities across the nation, public funds have been used to survey the historic integrity of neighborhoods. In what ways would you support a comprehensive survey to identify, evaluate, and potentially designate properties as historic landmarks?

I would certainly be willing to support funding for such surveys subject to reasonable justification for the surveys. I would want to know the underlying character and history of the areas recommended for such surveys.

9. Some community plans call for protection of architectural character and historic buildings with the establishment of conservation districts and design controls. What actions would you support to sustain community character?

Not all buildings offer special architectural character nor have significant historical value. So I would expect any buildings selected for such protections can be justified by some criteria other than their age. The oldest buildings in Washington are almost contemporary by comparison to the New England states or European cities where buildings sometimes date back to the 1400s before the first settler even set foot on our soil. I would in principle support special actions to sustain character in areas where it can be justified. I certainly would resist destruction of historical buildings in favor of high-rise apartment complexes simply because the latter will generate more tax revenue.

"You may never know what results from your action. But if you do nothing there will be no results" -Gandhi