Methow Valley Citizens' Council
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News from the Methow Valley Citizens Council
Spring 1998 |
 |
Eulogy for a Fearless Leader: Beulah LaMotte
by Vicky Welch
Beulah loved the Methow Valley and was ruthlessly dedicated to the preservation
of its beauty, water, and wildlife. She was especially devoted to maintaining
water quality in the Methow River, and water availability for agriculture.
When I met Beulah in 1975, after her family was grown and she had retired
from elementary school teaching, I was thrilled to find someone who shared
similar concerns about large scale development here in the Valley.
When a group of natives and newcomers met in the Hottell's living room
to coordinate environmental watchdogging, the Methow Valley Citizens Council
was bom, Beulah LaMotte was the obvious choice for president.
Beulah's progressive thinking and thoughtful spirit were striking. She
was young at heart, as seen not only in her on going enthusiasm for
the birds, deer and open spaces, but also because, at a time of life when
others generally choose to relax, Beulah was likely to be found urging
the bureaucratic powers to protect the places and creatures she loved.
Speaking out on behalf of wild things that have no voice of their own is
not easy or popular. It took courage and commitment. Beulah stood up for
what she believed in, and we are all better for it.
Beulah has my complete respect and admiration. I will miss her deeply.
Memories of Beulah
by Isabelle Spohn - MVCC Newsletter, Spring, 1998
I first saw Beulah in 1978 at a very heated zoning meeting, where citizens
stood to take their tam to speak as others shouted insults at them. In
the midst of this turmoil a slender, quiet, white haired woman stood to
testify for a citizens' group of which she was president. She read an articulate,
well reasoned statement with great dignity, and then took her seat
again. I was most impressed. I resolved to make a connection with MVCC,
and Beulah and I became friends.
Vernon and Beulah LaMotte have always been philosophically, financially,
and ethically at the heart of MVCC. Beulah was a member of the MVCC Board
which made the brave and somewhat risky decision to appeal the Early Winters
case to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals and later to the US Supreme
Court. That which Beulah felt was right was more important to her than
the financial, political, or social sacrifices she might face.
Thinking of others more than herself, always modest and somewhat shy,
not taking credit for the leadership and contributions she gave for so
long, Beulah is a beautiful memory to carry with us as we follow our shared
and separate paths among the trees and meadows of Beulah's beloved Methow
Valley.
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