The stakes are high. Island citizens are engaged in tasks that are leading to salmon recovery. Continued support is needed for salmon recovery efforts to be successful and we must make a long-term commitment toward completion of this work.
Our town isn’t just about whales and ferries. It’s about neighbor helping neighbor, children growing up and creating families of their own, small businesses serving the community and thriving, and a shared feeling of security and well-being.
Jan. 11 marked the beginning of our 2010 session in Olympia, and every indication tells us we are in for a bumpy ride. Just a year after tackling a $9 billion budget deficit — the largest in our state’s history — we’re faced with another $2.6 billion shortfall. This means we’ll be forced to look at even more program cuts and savings enhancements to keep Washington fiscally sound as well as keep our well-established social safety net in place for our most vulnerable.
Until government spending is brought under control, small businesses will be uncertain about the economy and will not begin to hire new employees or borrow money for expansion. That will keep the economy in limbo for some time to come.
We can protect our community’s natural resources and beauty while streamlining our local land-use regulations to make the rules and processes effective and efficient. These efforts will enable our community of businesses and citizens to maintain their quality of life and sustainability.
In 2010, I am also hoping to finally get my official button: “I’m from the government and I’m here to help!” Seriously, please contact me if I can answer any questions about safe chemical handling and disposal, and keeping pollutants out of the environment.
My predictions for 2010 are that this community’s deeply rooted educational values will not waver, and together we will achieve success for our children and preserve hope for our future.
generate controversy as we struggle to identify regulations that both protect the environment and preserve the rights and interests of our citizens. There are obvious areas of common ground but there are also differences of opinion on the regulations needed. The likelihood of reaching broad public consensus on the multitude of details associated with this seems remote but I believe it can be obtained with cooperation, mutual respect, and reason.
At this time of year, as seasonal rains quench these thirsty islands, our drives and dirt roads look more like a satellite view of the Minnesota lake country and rubber boots are strategically positioned on every porch just to retrieve the mail.
Mayor Carrie Lacher said during her campaign that one of her goals is to establish an independent funding source for streets. Our recommendation: The Friday Harbor Town Council should place an advisory vote on the town ballot, asking town property owners if they would support Friday Harbor Fire Department becoming part of the San Juan County District 3 Fire Department.
In a talk with a leader of CAPR (Citizens’ Alliance for Property Rights) it was suggested that I stick to facts, and not philosophy. That is advice that I will take in this letter. I am arguing in favor of leaving as much protection as possible between households and the shoreline. Certainly more than is suggested by CAPR. The reference to “canaries” refers to the canary that dies in an unsafe mine, providing a warning signal. Animals dying in the Spring Street Aquarium may be offering a similar warning.
Our hearts go out to the people of Haiti. As they have when disaster has struck other parts of the nation and world, islanders are responding to assist relief efforts. Here are ways that you can help.
Tuesday, Jan. 12, the San Juan Lions Club hosted San Juan Island School District Superintendent Walt Wegener and school board member Brent Snow to present their views on the M&O Levy coming up for vote on Feb. 9. Snow, who is manager of Roche Harbor when he is not devoting time to family and all sorts of community causes, kicked off what he called the “pony and dog show.” He was most persuasive.
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