KINGSTON — After learning that he is the 13th director in 10 years of the Kitsap County Department of Community Development, Larry Keeton is doing what he said he always does – pushing forward with the best of intentions.

In an effort to gain knowledge of one of the areas he will be overseeing, Keeton visited the Feb. 7 Kingston Citizens Advisory Council to answer questions and lay out his game plan for the community.

“I have a back-ground in military communications,” Keeton said. “While I was a colonel, I was made city manager, and I decided to go to work for the government.”

He was the garrison commander at Fort Jackson, S.C. before his retirement from active duty in 2001. While a city manager, he was able to gain skills that should help with honing the DCD, which is a priority for Keeton.

“I’d like to focus on the engineering and permitting processes,” he said. “In the long-range planning, developers don’t have a say until after the permit is codified. I’d like to fix that breach. I’d like to hear what you think needs to be fixed, I need dialogue from you, you’re the ones dealing day in and day out with the problems and concerns of this community.”

KCAC members were more than happy to voice their questions and concerns about Kingston and the direction it’s headed. KCAC member Sue Duffin asked about boundary line adjustment, and if the rules and legislation could be clarified. Her question stemmed from concerns raised by residents of Rash Road, which intersects with Parcells Road, and the development planned for the area.

County Commissioner Chris Endresen may adjust the lines this year, Keeton said, adding that they can be based on historic property lines.

“One of my big concerns is some of the quick and dirty land deals happening outside of the sub-area plan,” said KCAC member Annie Humiston. “That’s one thing that it’s really critical for DCD to get a handle on.”

Keeton said there may not be much the county can do to prevent such developments from happening, especially if the property lines are historic. If the development is recognized and legal, then the land can be developed, he said.

The ensuing discussion covered everything from shop signs to how county systems can become more user-friendly.

“I’m hoping that you can rework the paperwork,” said KCAC member Walt Elliott. “There are issues with people going back and back and back to get information right, when they should get the right information the first time.”

Public education is something that is lacking and Keeton said he is hoping to change. If residents know the system, they will know how to ask for information and the county will be able to get it right the first time.

“We don’t educate the public well enough, and that needs to change,” Keeton said.