I would like to respond to the Jan. 15 commentary by Jenifer Gee regarding Sutter Creek's planning commission by providing some insight into the overall planning process.

It is the responsibility of the planning commission to make sure that all new growth and development is compatible with the character and surroundings of the existing neighborhood; that there is infrastructure to support the new growth and development; that all policies outlined in the general plan are adhered to; and that the public's comments on any project are considered. They have to follow the California Government Code (Section 65000), which regulates land use. If a planning commission allows something that is not allowed by law, it exposes the city to the risk of a lawsuit. There is no such thing as an "inane detail." Every detail must be considered and, if the planning commission doesn't look at these and consider their impact, who will?

The planning commission has to make sure that the city has the infrastructure to support any new growth and development. If the infrastructure doesn't exist, then they need to determine what is needed. How much will it cost? What is the cost of maintenance? Who will pay? When will it be available? Will the new infrastructure create environmental impacts that need to be considered? These are not small issues.

One of the biggest issues facing all of Amador's jurisdictions is wastewater. Every single instance of new growth and development needs to consider wastewater and the impact it will have on the taxes and monthly bills paid for by Amador's current residents.

The planning commissioners have to consider specific plans and how they fit within the general plan. And it is not only the developer who provides the information. There needs to be public input and concerns addressed. And technical experts. If it takes many long meetings going over small details to come to the right decision, then that's what it takes. There should be no short cuts, no "pushing" and no hurrying to get a project or annexation approved without looking at all the facts. If all the information needed to make an informed decision isn't available, then a decision should not be made. If information has been requested and not provided, the planning commission has the right to delay the decision until the information is available. To make a decision without all the information does a disservice to the constituency the planning commissioners represent.

I congratulate the Sutter Creek Planning Commission on paying attention to the details that will impact the lives and tax burden of Sutter Creek residents. These community volunteers are not missing the "big picture." They are doing their research and reading their packet. If they weren't knowledgeable about the information in those packets, then they wouldn't recognize that data was missing. The Sutter Creek Planning Commission is making sure that the result of their decisions is not a community burdened by taxes and incompatible development that could hurt property values. The last thing Sutter Creek, or any of Amador's other jurisdictions, needs is a planning commission that will rubber stamp every proposal that is put in front of them without reviewing the details carefully. That's a recipe for disaster.