In response to the Pierce County Auditor’s announcement that an effort by county resident Jerry Gibbs calling for a vote on the county’s proposed General Services building has collected enough signatures to qualify for the November 2015 ballot, Pierce County Council Chair Dan Roach issued the following statement:

“It’s a great day when one citizen can stand up and truly make a difference. I think that’s the message that sometimes gets lost in the details of this debacle. People sometimes get cynical about participating in their government, but I want to congratulate Mr. Gibbs for proving that standing up for what you believe in is not an impossible feat.

“I was happy to play a part in this drama supporting Mr. Gibbs in his effort to exercise his rights. It was my duty to sponsor the resolution that ordered the county to drop its lawsuit against Gibbs, preventing county government from grossly exceeding its power.

“This is not only a victory for Jerry Gibbs, his supporters and all those who want to have a voice in the process. This is a fine example of how citizen activism and perseverance can triumph, even when the full weight of government is brought down upon them.”