Step up and make a difference on the islands | Editorial

Want to make a difference in the community? There are several opportunities to do so, and you don’t have to be elected. Volunteering on San Juan County boards and committees gives you the opportunity to help shape policies regarding agriculture, community development, health and human services, the marine environment, veterans services and other aspects of community life.

May 14, 2010 4:55 pm

Want to make a difference in the community? There are several opportunities to do so, and you don’t have to be elected.

Volunteering on San Juan County boards and committees gives you the opportunity to help shape policies regarding agriculture, community development, health and human services, the marine environment, veterans services and other aspects of community life.

Board and committee members consider proposals, study issues, and make recommendations to the County Council. A community is a reflection of the involvement of its residents, and you can have real influence over quality of life issues in the islands.

Boards and committees are good places to get experience, in the event you want to run for office in the future (Carrie Lacher was chairwoman of the Solid Waste Advisory Committee before becoming mayor of Friday Harbor. Lovel Pratt was a county planning commissioner before becoming a San Juan County Council member).

If you are interested in making a difference, contact Maureen See, 378-2898 or e-mail maureens@sanjuanco.com.

— Agricultural Resources Committee, two positions.
— Citizens Salary Commission, five positions.
— Civil Service Board, one position.
— Eastsound Design Review Board, three positions.
— Eastsound Planning Review Committee, one position.
— Fair Board, three positions.
— Health & Community Services Advisory Board, four positions.
— Housing Bank Commission, two positions.
— Lodging Tax Advisory Board, one position.
— Marine Resources Committee, one position.
— Noxious Weed Control Board, one position.
— Open Space Advisory Team, one position.
— San Juan Initiative Policy Leadership Group.
— San Juan Island Library, one position.
— Solid Waste Advisory Committee, two positions.
— Stormwater Advisory Board, one position.
— Veterans Advisory Board, one position.
— Water Resources Management Committee, three positions.

— In addition, there is a vacancy on the Friday Harbor Planning Commission. To apply, send a letter of interest to Mayor Carrie Lacher, Town of Friday Harbor, 60 Second St., P.O. Box 219, Friday Harbor, WA. 98250. For more information, contact Roxanna Zalmanek, Community Development Department, 378-2810 or roxz@fridayharbor.org.