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Response to Opposes changing cell tower ordinanceDear Editor, posted 12/14/2008
What I found confused me. As an example, the American Cancer Society report on the results of studies performed by various reliable entities showed there was "no evidence in published scientific reports that cell phone towers cause any other health problems". The question that I now struggle with is if there are no known negative health effects from cell tower radiation, and adding cell towers have a goal to "improve emergency medical services", I now wonder what to believe. It sure would be a comfort to know that my cell phone would work if I had a serious situation outside of the current limited coverage areas.
Mike Hamlette Reponse to County Administrator's Budget Proposal Cuts DeepAn Open Letter to the County Council, posted 11/02/2008 As members of the Orcas Recreation Advisory Board we have always been frugal with the money we get from the County. We have also worked hard to honor the donations and grants that have kept the Orcas Island Recreation Program (OIRP) alive for the past 14 years. We believe that a ‘belt tightening” can be a good thing. We are willing and committed to be as fiscally responsible as we have always been in the past. Briefly, the OIRP receives $16,500 from the County, a number that has not changed in 14 years! $4000 is returned to the Parks Dept. to pay for administrative costs. The “administrative costs” include an office space, computers, insurance, processing payments and help with contracts, etc. .This is the best $4000 we spend! The $16,500 is about 15% of our budget. We raise $40,000 annually with donations and fund raisers while collecting $50,000 in user fees. We want to respectfully clarify some of Pete Rose’s assumptions in the budget narrative he presented to you on October 20th. Mr. Rose suggests that in cutting the $16,500 from OIRP it would represent a 13% cut of our budget. The $16,500 cut actually represents a 100% cut of our funding from the county! No other county agency is being cut more than 27% and of the 15 agencies listed in the budget narrative, the average cut is 14.84%. As a board we have worked diligently to raise funds while respecting any money we receive by growing the program responsibly and with great success. Unfortunately, even though $16,500 represents only about 15% of our budget, loss of this funding will effectively be killing this incredible program by destroying it’s foundation. Since 1993 the OIRP has built an organization that serves hundreds of families on Orcas. Thousands of children have experienced sports, art and other activities and thanks to scholarships, no children have been denied access. Former Commissioner John Evans identified a problem in 1992 with the children of San Juan County having very few healthy recreational alternatives and an inordinate number ending up in juvenile court, costing the taxpayers money to process. John, along with his fellow commissioners at the time, found a solution by funding the San Juan County Recreation Program instead. Their solution was to give positive attention vs reactionary/negative attention to the youth of San Juan County. Finally, to eliminate 14 years of developing OIRP into the amazingly strong community family asset that it is today would be appalling. Even in a time of tight budgets and cut backs, $16,500 is a small price to pay to keep our kids on the right side of the law while maintaining our high quality of life. We believe the citizens of Orcas agree. Respectfully Submitted by the Orcas Island Recreation Program Advisory Committee
Bob Phalan
Response to PART I: Mortgage-Backed Securities, the VirusDear Editor, posted 10/30/2008 Banks naturally disliked these terms, and generally sought promptly to rid themselves of the burden of holding sell mortgages. (And Wall Street and Franie May and Freddy Mac facilitated this - also at Congressional urging). It is precisely these subprime mortgages (and some related unintended consequences of these do-good Congressional efforts) that are the root cause of the problem. Thoughtful and financially principled people will likely discern that this is all a matter of compromising long-proven lending principles. And just as such compromises in the making of home mortgages have now messed up our whole financial system, we will likely see similar and equally distressing consequences of the compromises occasioned by the same do-good intentions to make housing affordable ... and these consequences will be detremental not to far away financial institutions, but to neighborhoods right here in our midst. Albert B. Hall Response to EDITORIAL: Vote for Ranker and PrattDear Editor, posted 10/18/2008
It's very clear to anyone who can see past party rhetoric that Kevin Ranker is and has been more interested in furthering his political career than he is in promoting the true concerns of his constituency. It's also very clear that no matter what her ideals are, Lovel Pratt would not be near as effective as Gordy Petersen in the office of county commissioner. Our country is becoming more and more divided everyday due to both parties playing the "only our side can be right" game. Websites like yours that pose as journalistic enterprises to promote your own personal political ideals are driving wedges in this split. Editorial staffs give their support to candidates who can best perform the job. My guess is your editorial staff consists of one person. Just a note, copying someone else's research that has already been published in a Bellingham newspaper does not qualify as "fact-checking" or journalism. Researching the reporter who wrote those article in the Bellingham newspaper and finding out if he/she had personal interests or affiliations that might be questionable – that's journalism. Republicans have Fox news, San Juan Democrats have the SanJuanIslander.com, and in between thinking people have to find their own truth. Sincerely, Robert A. Walters Response to FH PTA responds to concerns about Big ToyDear Editor, posted 10/16/2008
Please let the School Board know you want the Crumb Rubber removed from the Elementary School playground by signing the Playground For All petition. Please go to our blog, and take a look at what some concrened parents have put together. These are our children, our lively hood. There should be no question, its the health and wellfare of our children.
Annette Crosby Response to arrest of Border Patrol Deputy Chiefposted 10/16/2008
Yes, this is the same Joseph Giuliano who came to Friday Harbor to explain to all of us the need for and importance of his citizenship spot checks at the Anacortes ferry dock. He emphasized the need for all of us to obey the law and how these spot checks were intended to keep us safe from terrorists. When I personally challenged him about the legality of forcing people into a confined area and interrogating them, with no probable cause, he just smugly stuck to his " obey the law" talking points and added, " If you don't agree with the law, change it!" I answered, "Yes and that's why most of us want to get rid of the current administration in Washington." When I asked what would happen if I resisted and refused to answer their questions, he said, " Then you'll be held under further suspicion." Further suspicion? So we were all under maybe a little suspicion? Some of us must be doing something illegal and they were determined to find us. I think there might have been one terrorism related catch, but the bulk of their efforts resulted in a lot of immigration issues, specifically undocumented aliens, Mexicans. There can be no doubt that the real purpose of their Nazi-like tactics was, and is, to rid the area of " Illegal Mexicans." Now, it seems that Joseph was committing child rape while zealously guarding the safety of the rest of us, from terrorism, with his heavy handed citizenship checks. I shouldn't find any lightness in any of this, but the fox guarding the hen house couldn't escape my thoughts. Sadly, this is an all too common problem, that those with the most power frequently seem to have the darkest secrets. These crimes of Giuliano's were being perpetrated at the very same time that he was in charge of rounding up Hispanic people who's only crime was trying to make a better life for themselves and their families and arresting them, imprisoning them in Pennsylvania and ultimately, deporting them. So, these otherwise innocent people, ripped from their homes and communities, rotted in jail and were thrown out of the country while Mr. Giuliano carried a gun, had the power of life and death over us, supervised the Nazi-like checkpoints and slept with a 14 year old girl. Besides going to prison for a long time, where he will be warmly welcomed as a cop and a child rapist, his pension should go to pay for counseling for this girl and all others like her. David Garfield Response to Rumors - 2008Dear Editor, posted 10/14/2008 He and his friends have apparently decided it's easier to anonymously throw mud at Kevin in the hope that it will sway voters. What they don't realize is that those of us in the 40th district focus more on substance than on half truths and shop worn gossip. Kevin Ranker has proven himself to be worthy of our support by his deeds, his dedication to the issues that matter to islanders and especially by his tenacity in pressing our interests in the halls of Olympia. Dirt thrown his way about past events in his life by unseemly anonymous islanders, charges that may or may not be true but certainly are irrelevant, will not change that. To those who have chosen their low road, I simply say, "Get a life!" Bob Distler Dear Editor, posted 10/14/2008 On that day, Kevin was walking parallel to the parade near the edge of the street. Police officers entered the parade route and began arresting the protestors. Kevin was still within a few feet of the sidewalk when he was arrested. He did not resist arrest and did not yell anything. It is very unfortunate that these sorts of baseless negative attacks have now come to our local races. We deserve to know about the candidate's position on issues and not the rehashing of groundless attacks. Sue and Nikos Vulgares Response to San Juan Community Home Trust replies to Mayor Jones on Annexation and Guest column by Friday Harbor David Jones regarding annexation of Buck propertyDear Editor, posted 10/11/2008 The "win-win-win" aspect of the Buck/Boreen annexation is that the San Juan Community Home Trust gets 15.5 of the 46.5 acres at market rate for low density housing (R-5) conditioned upon the annexation of the entire parcel. The Buck/Boreen family have owned this property for over 50 years and they will realize an upside gain, otherwise it would not make financial sense for them to sell the 15.5 acres. It is therefore a; "win" for the SJCHT, a "win" for the Buck/Boreen's and a big "win" for the community. Please remember, these homes will remain "affordable" for at least 199 years, and they can only appreciate at the rate of increased local earnings. Considering the cost of construction, how else will anyone ever come up with land at low enough prices to allow for truly affordable home ownership? Please support the annexation at the public hearing before the Friday Harbor Town Council on November 20th, at 5:30pm at the Grange Hall.
Sam Buck,
Laura Boulton, Response to FH PTA responds to concerns about Big ToyTo the Editor, posted 10/07/2008
Why does this surprise me? Because, on September 10th, I called Cascade Rec, and spoke with Jill Thorsen. I asked Jill Thorsen "is the crumb rubber ADA compliant?" Ms. Thorsen said she would have to get back to me. A few hours later, Ms. Thorsen called to say that the Manufacturer of the Crumb Rubber, Northwest Rubber, said it is NOT ADA compliant, and that all further questions should go through Rod Turbull's office. The manufacturer admitted it was not ADA compliant, what about that statement means it is not violating ADA law? I called the ADA's Information & Technical Assistance line, and asked, what is an ADA compliant playground cover? The person on the phone said that an ADA compliant playground cover has to be "stable and slip resistant.". Perhaps the school's legal council would like to call this information line and visit the school playground. One can easily see that the crumb rubber moves, easily. I admire that the school board is so concerned about the safety of our children, but I am ashamed to send my child to a school who does not know anything about ADA compliancy, and doesn't seem to care if some children can access a specific area of the school that others cannot. You would think that before someone goes and spends $50,000 they would thoroughly research the product they are buying. King County Parks have replaced their crumb rubber underlayments with engineered wood fiber, because it moves so readily, it's surface temperature can be 20 degrees warmer than the air temperature, is highly flammable, and does not meet ADA standards. I haven't been to any playgrounds that use crumb rubber (besides FHES), and while I believe that Steve Grout thinks there are schools and communities that believe crumb rubber is the greatest thing ever invented, I have yet to visit those communities, or have any reason to believe they actually exist. Here's to being better informed, Adrienne Bourne Response to SAN JUAN ISLANDER EDITORIAL: Don't miss opportunity to talk to WSFResponse to editorial: Yes, I did described the WSF Public Meetings here as “dog and pony” shows, and following is how I described them as such directly to David Moseley and other staff at WSF. I told them there is the perception, and I'm not the only one who feels this way, that the meetings felt stage managed. I allowed that it might have to do with time constraints or need to get through the agenda, but we're sensitive, possibly overly, to WSF coming to us in the past with a pre-set plan. I then gave a specific about how the "dots" were used voting for different options, and how there was potential prejudice. David Moseley expressed appreciation for the honest feedback, and passed my comments along to his staff to consider for this next meeting. So we'll see how this one goes. I've since had other conversations with Mr. Moseley, and I plan on personally meeting with him again later this month. Other members of our FAC have been in almost continuous, constructive dialog with WSF staff. There is absolutely no problem with our current relationship. We do need to get more public input into these meetings, but it's a problem when they are held during the day. All of the other ferry served community meetings are held in the evening. It was my suggestion to, at least, hold the meeting on the interisland ferry in an attempt to get more participation from all the islands. This Monday's meeting will be on the interisland leaving Friday Harbor at 11:40 and returning to Friday Harbor at 1:50. The meeting goes on ending at Lopez at 3:40. If you can't attend, email comments can be submitted directly to WSF's website or to me at howier@sanjuanco.com Of the 36 people who attended the last WSF meeting, if you subtracted WSF staff, County staff, FAC members, candidates, EDC, press and the local ferry agent, there was only one or two members of the public.
Howard Howie Rosenfeld Response to Crumb Rubber remaining at "Big Toy"Dear Editor, posted 10/04/2008 My name is Thea Seitz and I am in 2nd grade at Friday Harbor Elementary School. When we were going to the fair I smelled this smell all the way from under the play shed. It smelled like yucky, yucky, garbage in the garbage can stinking. And when I played on it I had to hold my nose, it stinks so bad. And while the year has been going on so far, if people fall on it they get black stuff all over their hands and knees. What if somebody doesn't know about it and eats a piece, what will happen then? Even though the smell has got not as bad, it's toxic, can't you see that, weirdoheads? I mean...can't you smell that? (Thea asked me to remove “weirdoheads” because it wasn't nice, but it was so authentic, I had to leave it in...) Sincerely, Dear Editor, posted 10/04/2008 They have a tee shirt that reads: TREAT OTHERS AS YOU WISH TO BE TREATED. The hardest part of this, according to them, is following this Golden Rule when you are not being treated well by someone else. How would any of us wish to be treated if we felt that our children's health was at stake? If the crumb rubber did not adequately cover the hard ground beneath and my child fell in that place or if my wheelchair bound child could not access the new playground because the crumb rubber surface was not ADA compliant, or if the off gassing fumes affected their asthma so badly that they were missing days of school to recover, I would want to be treated with the dignity and respect our circumstances deserve. I would want to hear, "How can we help you and your child? We are certain we can make this playground safe and available for all of our children." Our School District has policies in place to help us do just that! In this case, they were not followed and implemented well or at all. Many well intentioned people got caught in the mess that was created. We are a caring community. We have come together on many occasions to help families and individuals in need. I choose a playground for all children; please join me in asking the school board to reconsider their recent decision. Susan Williamson
Dear Editor, posted 10/03/2008 I think I'm going with my gut instincts on this one. And our family, like many, thinks we should get it out of there. Are we going to suffer it for the lifespan of that new playground? Our previous playground was in there 20 years. Take a good whiff at the school. Take a good long look at how the children burrow into it and get it all over themselves…my three children deserve better and so do yours. To learn more visit the local action group's blog at: www.playgroundforall.blogspot.com Petitions can be signed at the Fitness Club, Dr. Earnhart's office, and soon other spots around town. If we don't all speak up now, then when?? Shannon Calverley and family Response to Guest column by Friday Harbor David JonesDear Editor, posted 10/04/2008
What are the cost impacts of annexation? Once property is annexed, the Town is responsible to provide sewer, water, roads and other services. Within the property the cost of the sewer lines, water lines, street, curb and sidewalks are the responsibility of the development. So only the cost of connecting to the development is a Town cost. Do we have this number for the Home Trust property? The new residents will become ratepayers. How much will that contribute? Stormwater is another potential cost. Again, the developer will bear the cost of stormwater mitigation and retention on the property. The Town could be responsible for receiving what exceeds that capacity. Do we have that cost? The new residents will be subject to the Town's stormwater fee. How much will that offset? The Town could allow low impact development standards in the new areas to additionally reduce stormwater impact. Examples include swales instead of curbs and gutters, which greatly reduces runoff. Infill is not a cost free solution, and comes with additional crowding. As Town population grows there are thresholds that trigger when utility improvements will be necessary. These are usually expensive. Raising the reservoir dam, for instance, was estimated at $5 million 3 years ago. However, population growth, whether from infill or annexation, will have the same impact, putting us closer to those thresholds. Is there any benefit to having more ratepayers contributing to the utilities? Are we better off with more or less? What is the ideal level? Replacing the water transmission line along San Juan Valley Road is a project that needs to be done. If annexation means a larger diameter pipe needs to be used, then a larger pipe is needed anyway. Whether growth occurs inside or outside Town, the project needs to anticipate future growth over the next 50 years. Affordable housing in the Town benefits the County. There are County grants, like the $100,000 grants the County has made twice to the Guard Street project. The County also uses a different approach to infrastructure and utility issues by addressing them through the SEPA and subdivision process. The Town and the County worked well together to get the Phase I UGA established. I hope there is the possibility for additional collaboration to get this annexation accomplished in time to meet the needs of the Home Trust. Howard Howie Rosenfeld Response to Crumb Rubber remaining at "Big Toy"Dear Editor, posted 10/01/2008 Proponents of crumb rubber will point to industry funded studies showing the presence of known carcinogens and respiratory irritants at levels below legal thresholds. These studies look at only a small handful of samples and don't consider the most troubling class of chemicals: Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons. David Brown (formally of EPA, now EHHI) who has done the only comprehensive review of all the crumb rubber studies internationally has shown that in different samples, the levels of these chemicals can vary by a magnitude of 10 or even 100. His point is that we just don't know what exposure our children are receiving from crumb rubber. Sweden and Norway have decided that due to these "substances of very high concern", crumb rubber "should not be used". Italy is removing theirs. There are students and parents at Friday Harbor Elementary school who have experienced respiratory distress and skin irritation after being on the playground this year. Groups have organized against crumb rubber in New York, Connecticut, New Jersey, California and Friday Harbor. There is an action plan for replacement of the crumb rubber with the same legally acceptable product that is used in the playground at the fairgrounds. This plan relies on an in-hand list of volunteers and would result in no additional fundraising or expense to the district due to a commitment by the manufacturer to accept return of the crumb rubber for a refund. If you would like more information on the studies mentioned or, more importantly, would be willing to add your name to a list requesting the School Board reconsider their decision to keep the crumb rubber, please contact me.
Arvid Lindstrum Thoughts on financial crisisDear Editor, posted 10/01/2008
Treasure Secretary Henry Paulson is the former CEO of Goldman Sachs and it is reported that, because of this supposed financial crisis, his personal fortune has declined from $700-800 million to a little over $500 million. Any bail out will almost certainly improve his financial picture. In the opposite corner, humans lost a good friend last Friday when actor and philanthropist Paul Newman passed on. Through his efforts, he established summer camps for seriously children and their families, funded by the approximately $250 million he gave to charity. I didn't know him, but losing Mr. Newman brings tears to my eyes. The thought of losing Mr. Paulson? Not so much. It's a good week to think about where your treasure lies. Ingrid Gabriel Response to Larsen Statement on Financial Rescue PackageDear Congressman Larsen, posted 09/30/2008
You write the current crisis has been caused by "regulation and oversight the Bush administration has failed to provide." Yet in 2003, President Bush asked Congress to create a new agency to assume supervision of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, the two government-sponsored agencies whose catastrophic practices triggered the current crisis. Two years later, the Bush administration asked Congress to enact the Federal Housing Enterprise Reform Act of 2005. Both these steps were taken by the President precisely to avoid what's now happened – and both were defeated in Congress by members of your Democratic party. When your busy schedule permits, will you please provide documentation of the positions you took on both these legislative initiatives. And, in a broader sense, will you please explain the total, thoroughly documented contradiction between your September 29 statement and the facts. Respectfully yours, Herb Meyer Friday Harbor Response to Benedict sentenced to 12 months in jail; must serve one in jail; rest work crew, house arrestDear Editor, posted 09/28/2008 Deanna Banry Response to Rosario Resort will shut down Oct. 20Dear Editor, posted 08/24/2008
The numbers look something like this - one hundred seasonal jobs, eighty year-round jobs, and seven million in goods and services. The possible loss of Rosario, even if just for a season, would mean severe stress on the local economy, families without income, loss in Hotel/Motel taxes, lower enrollment in the local schools, landlords losing tenants, not to mention loss of all the behind-the-scenes stuff that Rosario does for the community. The cascade effect, under the current national and regional economic climate, will probably force more local businesses in Eastsound to close their doors. It is my belief that only the State Ferries closing would be as much of a disaster to the local economy. Even that disaster, when we have been without service before, had the "silver lining" benefit of forcing those that refuse to shop locally to discover some of the local businesses that are usually disregarded in favor of mainland trips to the box stores. The County Council, the Chamber of Commerce, our business community, private citizens who understand and remember the impact on the economy when Rosario closed for just a winter a few years back should rally together to encourage sympathetic buyers to the upcoming auction. We as a County just spent three million to buy a dock with little economic benefit or access to shoreline when compared to Rosario and it seems like some local effort should be expended to guarantee the jobs of our neighbors and the economic health of our business community. It is time to wake up as a community and save our "Factory." Tom Tillman Response to Ranker and Knapp ask Gregoire for help with Capron FundsTo the Editor: posted 07/17/2008
Ranker was a member of the then-Board of County Commissioners when the Legislature, in one of those middle-of-the-night deals cut to pass the state's transportation budget, decided to use the county's share of the 60-percent increase in gas taxes paid by county residents to fill a hole in the Washington State Ferries budget, ostensibly to hold down increases in ferry fares. The Capron Fund actually was created by state law in 1919 in recognition that only two counties in the state -- San Juan and Island (ie Whidbey Island) had no road connections to the state's highway system and therefore deserved their share of state gas tax monies to maintain what otherwise would be state highways in the two counties. In 1939, Whidbey was connected to mainland highways by the Deception Pass Bridge, and 60 miles of its roads and bridges were redesignated as state highways. As a result, its refund was cut to 50% of the Capron formula. In 2006, the chair of the House Transportation Committee introduced a bill to repeal the Capron law. The state Senate rejected it. But in one those middle-of-the-nigh compromise deals, the Senate agreed to repeal Island County's Capron funding and to eliminate San Juan County's share of the 60-percent gas tax increase, at a cost to the county of between $1-$2 million a year. (The elimination of Island County's Capron funding was no big deal to Senate Transportation Chair Mary Margaret Haugen, who represents that county, because the budget already included more money to rebuild the Deception Pass Bridge than its Capron funding would have produced in many years.) The county's gas taxes went not to reduce ferry fares for county residents or visitors, but to slightly reduce the increase in fares systemwide, for which the legislature then took the credit. The county's Ferry Advisory Committee, of which I then was chair, immediately let the commissioners know what had happened, as did Jon Shannon, head of the county's Public Works Department. Within days, our FAC sent a letter to Gov. Gregoire urging her to veto that section of the transportation budget. (I've attached a copy for your readers' information.) To the best of my knowledge, the commissioners did nothing, and the governor ignored our request. My notes show that the FAC raised the issue with the commissioners -- including Ranker --twice more that year, each time urging them to act to get the legislature and the governor to reverse its decision. As far as I know, they did not, and the 2007-09 biennial budget passed the following spring kept the switch of funds in place. The FAC raised the issue subsequently with the new County Council and again urged it to address the matter. I'm sure the Public Works Department did as well, since the shift put a several-million-dollar hole in the county's roads-maintenance plan. Again, I'm not aware any action was taken. So, while I cheer Ranker and Knapp for finally raising the issue with the governor, I'd suggest they deserve little credit for doing so now, so long after the horse left the proverbial barn. The problem deserved much more than “a very nice and off the cuff presentation," as Knapp put it, a long, long time ago. Alex MacLeod Shaw Island letter to GregoireMar. 22, 2006 RE: ESSB6839 -- Line-item veto request Dear Gov. Gregoire: I am writing as the chair of the San Juan County Ferry Advisory Committee to ask that you veto the portion of ESSB6839 that diverts San Juan County's statutory share of between $1-$2 million annually in gas-tax funds to Washington State Ferries' operating account. It is rare that a FAC chair would oppose any state funding directed to WSF, given its current unsustainable financial situation. However, this quiet, back-room siphoning of the road and street funds of the county and the Town of Friday Harbor -- with no notice or hearing -- must not be allowed to stand. The impacts of this amendment on the county and town are relatively huge, while its benefits to WSF are relatively miniscule. Not only will none of the nickel or 9.5-cent gas tax increases paid by county residents not return to the county in the form of road maintenance, they will not even return in the form of ferry-fare subsidies. Instead, those funds will be swallowed up in WSF's overall operating budget, providing only microscopic benefit to county ferry users (whose fares have more than doubled in the past six years). But just on its face, a change which leaves just one of the state's 39 counties receiving none of the gas taxes paid on the nickel or 9.5-cent increases paid by its residents is unfair. As governor of all 39 counties, I ask that you veto that portion of this bill. Thank you for your consideration.
Alex MacLeod Response to Council bans fireworksDear Editor, posted 06/30/2008
I don't want our county's public fireworks displays banned but more people were injured from those and someone even died. More big fires were started by those! And "Chris Hodgkins said he had a right to enjoy a quiet Fourth of July" What????? Ok, see, he has that right now, but I want to celebrate my nation's birthday, the way the constitution allows me to, but I can't even light a sparkler now. We are talking about safe and sane fireworks, not M-80's. My little boy will turn one on July 5th. I wanted to teach him about the Independence Day and the reason behind the noisy fireworks that caused him to kick so hard that he came into this world two weeks early. I wanted to teach him why we make this loud, joyful noise. I thought it was so that we can live free in a country (county) that doesn't take away our freedoms. Nope, they wouldn't do that, would they? Naw, but they took away my measly sparkler!
Christine Martz Response to FAC Letters on San Juan IslanderDear Editor, posted 06/30/2008 Someone else could become chair, even if Ed remained. But it would have to be a permanent member. Currently, we don't have a San Juan, Orcas, or Lopez Island vacancy. Regarding Carol Anderson's application, if we appointed her as an alternate member, which we were planning on discussing this week, four of the seven FAC members (two of the permanent members and both alternates) would be from San Juan Island. If Council has appropriately advertised the positions, and there are no other qualified applicants, we might do that. However, having four members from San Juan Island is not desirable. This is why her application has been on hold while we continued to advertise. If anyone from Orcas or Shaw is interested, and there was one letter writer, please apply. It could be as simple as sending an email of interest. Council would like to bring new blood onto committees, and has started doing more interviewing of candidates before reappointing incumbents.
Howard Howie Rosenfeld Response to FAC Chair takes cut in ferry lineAn Open letter to Chairman Howard Rosenfeld
posted 06/20/2008 I would be most happy to take Ed Sutton's place on the FAC. I sent my resume to Chairman Rosenfeld several months ago indicating my interest in becoming a member of this committee. Even though there is a current vacancy, Chairman Rosenfeld told me the council was waiting for someone from Orcas Island to step forward to fill the roving position and because I was a San Juan Island resident, I would not be considered at this time. So, just in case my resume has not made it to a read in council chambers, I have attached it to this email for all council members to review. My voice of experience:
It is long past time people of the San Juan Islands have representation from the working/commuting segment of our community on this committee. After all, we are the people most affected by the impact of rotating ferry schedules. It is also time our community presents a professional voice in Olympia, one that will clarify community transportation service needs with honesty, integrity, clarity and intelligence. Thank you for your attention to this letter and considering my interest in becoming a member of the Ferry Advisory Committee. Very sincerely,Carol Anderson Dear Editor, posted 06/19/2008
Good for whoever complained about your behavior. I wish I had been there because I would not only have complained but I would have spoken to you personally. Of course I would have been there before you, so you would have cut in front of me and perhaps kept me from getting on the boat, your business obviously being so much more important than mine. I have two suggestions for you. First, I suggest if your volunteer work is so onerous for you and you do it so grudgingly, perhaps you should just quit. I think we could live without you. Second, you could get to the ferry early enough to catch the boat you need to catch, like all the rest of us peons have to do. Ed; I'm not impressed! David Garfield Dear Editor, posted 06/19/2008 None. If the meetings were so important, he should have planned accordingly, just as the rest of us do. Ed Sutton's actions and his comments are very disappointing. He should know better, but if he doesn't, perhaps he is not much of an improvement compared to our previous FAC chair. Bob Distler Dear Editor, posted 06/19/2008 As a new Islander since 2003 and someone who has studied not only WSF but the ferry system for Martha's Vineyard/Nantucket before moving here, I'd like to take you up on your offer. I'm sure that you've worked hard in the past, but your current attitude suggests that perhaps you have grown tired of public service and are ready for a break. Let me know when you'd like to hand over the reins, Bryan Hoyer Dear Editor: posted 06/19/2008 Hmmmmm, let's see...He's the Chairman of the group that is our only voice influencing the ferry policies that affect the lives of most of us that live here in the islands. Oh, maybe that's not important. And all the meeting was about was this: "The meetings were dealing with all of the LOS (level of service) operational studies and pricing strategies being considered for the future." Who needs to be represented for that? From San Juan Islander's story I get the impression that either the writer objects to Ed Sutton making a very important meeting by moving ahead in line; or we have sensationalistic journalism here.
Dan Christopherson To: NW Regional Manager for WSDOT posted 06/19/2008 Ms. Russell's stance against this gross abuse of position on the part of Mr. Sutton is to be commended. She should be held up as an example of integrity and good customer service. I have lived on San Juan Island for 27 years, and have frequently marveled at the patience our ferry workers demonstrate in the face of grumpy unreasonable passengers. It is truly offensive when they are abused by someone in Mr. Sutton's position. Chris Clarke Thanks OlympiaDear Editor, posted 05/06/2008 On San Juan Island, that deficit works out to $600,000 a year, this year, next year and into the foreseeable future. On the table for cuts, every educational program you hold dear: AP classes, special education, ESL, marine science, the entire sports program, art, drama, music, plus the entire bus system, the school lunch program, teachers, custodial staff, administrators. If we, the citizens of San Juan Island can't come up with this money by May 15th, something important will be cut. Not fluff, not fat, but the meat and bone of our public school system. This is a crisis, not of our making but courtesy of our legislators in Olympia. Their solution is that we sue them – no joke - to get their attention. Our solution was on display at a May 1st public school board forum I attended at the Middle School Commons. Superintendent Michael Soltman and Board Chair Boyd Pratt explained cuts that have already been made and potential cuts now being contemplated. They asked for ideas. San Juan Islanders were brimming with passion for our public schools and with solutions both to the immediate crisis and our chronic problem. Many of the attendees were parents with a stake in the system. It was also heartening to see that citizens without children in the public schools were also in attendance. All recognized the value of public education to our society and our future. Many found the will to do what our state legislature will not: by the end of the evening Islanders had donated $3610 to the San Juan Public Schools Foundation. Only $596,390 to go. Surely in the wealthiest county in Washington state, we can come up with that. Then we can sue the Legislature to uphold the state Constitution and fully fund the education of our children.
Bryn Barnard Combine administrationDear Editor, posted 05/06/2008 Michael Soltman has told us that "everything is on the table," that we need to cut nearly $850,000 from our budget next year. He said this is just the beginning, a bandaid with more and more cuts likely the following year. Why is no one asking about cutting salaries and benefits of the administration? On Orcas Island their district is looking at a $667,000 hole. In the present discussion surrounding the San Juan Island school districts fiscal shortcomings, I think the combining of administrative support needs to be evaluated. At the present the four districts in the county are paying in the neighborhood of $375,000 for superintendents alone. We have around 1700 students. By contrast Bellingham has 10,400+ students and they have one superintendent and a part time assistant superintendent, which make under $250,000 when combined. You add in all the other duplications and facilities and it is a significant amount of money. I believe that with current technology we as a county can keep our individual autonomy and still address the constant pressure to cut in all areas of the districts responsibilities. I have been told that everything is on the table, but haven't seen this addressed at all. The E.S.D. 189 has a district restructuring committee that needs to be contacted jjenkins@esd189.org about how we as a concerned island community can help fund our schools and not lose the important part of the districts that really affect our students. We need to come together, as a county and perhaps unite our school districts. With today's technology we can't let the water around us divide us (a very weak excuse). Bob and Mary Elford Border Patrol checkpointsposted 04/23/2008
Richard Ledford Response to Critical Areas Citizen Review CommitteeTo the editor posted 04/18/2008
There are numerous issues under discussion that will directly affect how, and if, a landowner owner will be allowed to use their property. One example is item D. under the heading "working draft" in the material the San Juan Islander just published. The wording is, "Do we want to allow limited scale development within the outer portion of science based buffers (e.g. 150 to 285 feet from the shoreline)?" What this is saying is that the current 50 foot and 100 foot permit process and setbacks from the shoreline would no longer apply for new residences. A residence would no longer be an allowed exempt use. All existing homes within the new 150 foot to 285 "science based" buffers would become a non-conforming use. The existing residence and other improvements would be "frozen" and could not be altered. The affect on a property owner who owns an undeveloped shoreline lot is obvious. When combined with another aspects of buffers...no tree removal, no home construction...several outcomes are possible. One is that lots that are not deep enough from the shoreline become unbuildable. A second is that if the lot is tree-covered and deep enough, the home could easily be so far back in the trees that the shoreline homeowner would not be able to even see the water. For existing homes, the non-conforming status the proposal creates means that if the owner wanted to alter the home, add a garage, a studio, a guest house, conduct any activity that required a building permit, the permit application would have to be denied. No alteration of the property including tree removal or removing downed trees would be allowed. Similar critical area rules and buffers are being discussed for any property that has a year-round or seasonal stream, steep slopes or special habitats. Other examples are a 3,000 foot buffer, (2/3 of a mile), around heron nesting sites and a long list of other species related buffer requirements. This Critical Areas ordinance process is serious stuff. While the committee has a variety of viewpoints represented, the one thing that is striking is that to date, there has been virtually no citizen expression, comment or participation at the meetings. The potential affect on land use and the rights of property owners in San Juan County is far greater under this critical areas process than anything else that has occurred since the County became involved in planning under GMA in 1992. I hope people will take this letter as an invitation to come to the meetings, listen to the discussions between the committee members, get copies of the proposals from the County and voice their opinions. Respectfully,
John Evans Response to guest column by guest column by Janice Peterson.Dear Editor, posted 04/16/2008 Dear Ms. Peterson, You must know that there is no debate without two viewpoints. May I respond? 1. Your Guest Column was a bit ponderous and difficult to understand as well. 2. Nobody knows how all the changes in our marine environment today will play out in the future. We cannot arrive at a solution without first understanding the problem before us. This is one reason that we need a conversation now about preserving our aquatic legacy while we still have a chance to do so. 3. Leases are entered into knowing that they are temporary by nature. Renewals are always based on the situation on the ground at the time not by today's conjecture. 4. Perhaps it is time for all of us to transcend the name-calling and accusations. Working together requires communication that will allow both sides to understand each other's position in order to reach a compromise. 5. How would you lead? 6. What would good regulation look like? 7. These decisions will be long lasting and they merit more discussion as we go through this process of preserving some of what we still have. 8. All of your questions are important and deserve important consideration. This is the time to begin planning. 9. Debate Points Harm Most of the kelp beds around San Juan Island have disappeared or at least shrunk in size over the last 36 years that I have lived here. Herring balls are as rare as the chattering birds that used to follow them. Docks have appeared all along the seaside now and the eel grass seems to be having a hard time. The king salmon run disappeared last year. The PCB level found in our remaining bottom fish is high. We began pulling up cancerous crabs in Friday Harbor in the eighties. These are just my personal observations. Inherency or Blame Let's make a better effort to understand the problem before blaming each other for what is happening. It may help to leave our attitudes behind us in order to make an accurate assessment of the situation at hand Significance At least we are acknowledging that there is a significant problem. More discussions need to occur in order to reach a significant solution. Persistence The list of troubled species just keeps getting longer. Cost You bring up the question of harming tourism. The most successful “reserve” in Washington Stare was created as an underwater park by the City of Edmonds. The reserve attracts thousands of divers every year. Since you recently arrived from Santa Barbara, you must also realize what a mecca the Channel Islands are for boaters, how successfully the Marine Sanctuary there has preserved species that long ago disappeared from the California Mainland. It is an example of responsible recreational boaters and a reserve working together for the greater good. Cure In this case it seems like a good idea to preserve the patient until a satisfactory cure can be found. Respectfully submitted by,
Lee Brooks Thank you from the Family of Bob BoyceDear Editor, posted 04/12/2008 The family of Bob Boyce would like to thank everyone for their kind words, cards, food and hugs. We are truly blessed to have so many wonderful and caring friends. Thank you from the Family of Bill LyonsDear Editor, posted 04/06/2008 The family of William Porter (Bill) Lyons would like to thank everyone who sent a card, gave a hug and shared our sorrow over Bill's passing. We truly appreciate all the support and feel blessed and honored to live among all you wonderful people. We would especially like to thank those of you who knew Bill and shared your memories of him with us. Thank you. Response to SJ Islands: Now Safer and More SecureDear Editor, posted 04/02/2008 We islanders already gloat over the low rate of crime we experience because, in part, the only way off the island is by boat, plane or ferry. Many islanders still leave their homes unlocked, keys in their cars in open view (some still in ignition), groceries in cars with windows rolled down without thought of tampering while shopping or, until recent years, watching a movie or play. When I go into Wells Fargo Bank, I enter waiting to be amused/awed by the Fort Knox-like surveillance system and never let down. My wife and I call our surrounding waters our moat with the daily TV news broadcasts of child snatching, drive by shooting, road rage, mall shooting, freeway gridlock, gang and random murder, kidnapping and all that other stuff the mainland offers as “advanced society”. Most people pay lofty sums for a house in a gated and guarded private community. Living here with possibility of a security check in Anacortes equates to exactly that: An expensive private community with security guards. Where else is such service freely provided to private citizens using state funds? Travel may be delayed but no real freedom infringement, save lost time, is provided so this argument fails--unless YOU are wanted by the police. Those who wave the flag labeling this as freedom infringement are saying, regardless how couched, they want to ensure criminals can get away. Would like to hear what tune they sing after they become crime victims and learn their perpetrator left Anacortes unchecked when screening would have been scheduled. I find myself starting to think that maybe all ferries should be checked—but I also have no reason for being arrested.
Terry Forsyth Rosenfeld's response to SAN JUAN ISLANDER EDITORIAL - We have nothing to fear...but councilmembersTo the Sanjuanislander Editor, posted 03/31/2008
I ended the public comment at the end of my list. Not because it was "council lunchtime"(I did mention that to say we were running over the agenda time). Not because it was Dennis. We needed to finish to give our staff a break and I said so. We ended 30 minutes over at 12:30 and we were going to reconvene on other matters at 1:30. But I kept the public meeting going unofficially so everyone, including Dennis', could comment right up until Council resumed at 1:30. The reporter made an assumption to my motive that is absolutely untrue. I set the two-minute time limit before anyone, including Ary, spoke. He was about the only one who went over. I gave him extra time but it seemed like he was going to go on even after I said 2 ½ minutes. Everyone else used under 2 minutes and we were just able to get through the list. Again, my action had nothing to do with his pro spot check remarks. A number of speakers spoke to actions that would constitute civil disobedience. So I asked about it. The reporter made it sound like it was my idea. As to respecting the law: We fixed the membership on the Ferry Advisory Committee to 5, with 2 alternates. There will only be 5 voting and the PA says this conforms to the RCWs. The Orcas waterfront property issue has been put on hold unless it can be made to conform to the law. Most of the Council and most of the public at the meeting were having a hard time accepting this new reality of having to go through "spot checks" on domestic ferry runs. An opportunity to express this frustration and ask questions was provided. We questioned the law, we tried to find a way around the law, and we hoped the law would go away. It didn't go away. We will have to obey the law. As someone said to me "get used to it". Howard Howie Rosenfeld EDITOR's NOTE: The delay in posting this response was because, we were hoping to post the video of the border patrol meeting along with the letter. However the county's hard drive crashed and the video was unavailable. It is being fixed on the mainland and may become available. If is does, we will post it so San Juan Islander readers can see what took place at the meeting. We stand by everything in our editorial. - Sharon Kivisto Land Bank Seeks Public Input on Turtleback Mountain Management Plan and Extends Comment PeriodDear Editor, posted 03/22/2008 We are eager to hear from county citizens about this community treasure we are charged with stewarding. While we are always open to comments from the public, this is our formal, organized effort to garner the thoughts of our fellow citizens on the best way to care for Turtleback Mountain. We seven volunteer commissioners, appointed by the county council, are charged with making decisions about land purchases and management, with the help of professional staff. As in the example of the Turtleback Mountain plan, we learn all we can about the features of the property, the ecology, the history and archaeology, species of plants, birds, mammals, amphibians, etc., which are present. We hire scientists and other consultants as necessary. The staff and Commission then review the information and, keeping in view the mission of the Land Bank, the reason for acquisition of the property, and the capacity and resources of the Land Bank, creates a draft Management Plan. At that point we seek the input of county citizens. The draft plan is published for public review and a comment period is advertised in the local newspapers. In the case of Turtleback Mountain, that period has been extended from March 31 to April 18. Public hearings were advertised and held in early March on Orcas, San Juan, and Lopez Islands to gather public comment on the Turtleback Mountain plan. Copies of the plan and the review period and hearing schedule are available at our website and at the Land Bank office, by phone or in person. One or more Land Bank Commissioners attends each public meeting and are happy to talk to people informally as well. The San Juan Preservation Trust played an heroic role in helping secure Turtleback Mountain with over 2000 individuals from San Juan County and well beyond contributing to the effort. The Trust holds a conservation easement on the property and their approval is also legally required for any final management plan. There are many opinions about the appropriate types of public access on Turtleback Mountain, but there is no question that public access has been and will be allowed. The final development of the Management Plan waits for the review of community response. Please help us steward the Mountain by sending us your thoughts by April 18.
Mary Blackstone Comments about the draft Turtleback Mountain Management Plan may be sent to:
Dear Editor, posted 03/22/2008 With Deep Appreciation, Matt, Jackie, Dustin, Tesa, Taylor, and Jordyn Johnson Kerwin, Margaret, Ben, and Vanessa Johnson Rick and Karen King Steve and Kelli King Greg and Natalie King Response to SAN JUAN ISLANDER EDITORIAL - We have nothing to fear...but councilmembersEditor, posted 03/22/2008 We claim to have "discovered America." This is preposterous. This land was populated from coast to coast when we arrived. The residents even helped us and taught us how to survive at first. Of course, this wasn't enough. We wanted more than they could or were willing to give, so we took it, by force. We dehumanized them, calling them Indians, then demonized them as savages and proceeded to wipe them out. What we couldn't accomplish through brute force, savagery, we accomplished through disease, through the introduction of alcohol, the introduction of guns. In only a few hundred years we obliterated a civilization that had thrived for millenia. Then we rewrote history to make them the bad guys. They didn't own the land. They lived on it. They lived in harmony with it. They didn't destroy it. In an incredibly short time, we managed to do that, with utter disregard for what had come before. We learned nothing. In more modern times, we, Anglo Saxon white people, carried that same mindset to other countries, all around the world. If we wanted what they had, we took it, by manipulation, coercion, and if that didn't work, by force. We have long had a heavy handed approach to the rest of the world. What does this have to do with border patrol checkpoints? In the last seven years, this heavy handed approach has come home to roost. Our current leaders, Cheney and Bush, (yes, that's the right order), sit at the very top of the corporatochrasy that they call democracy. They feel they have the entitlement to do what ever they want, to who ever they want, where ever they want. Laws don't apply to them, only to us. Their brand of leadership is accomplished through manipulation, through coercion and through brute force. Their very rise to and maintenance of power is highly dubious and suspicious. Terrible enough that this philosophy has been used world wide. We, the United States, have claimed the high ground when others invaded neighbors and or oppressed their own citizens. Think of Nazi Germany, of the Soviet Union, of South Africa and so on and on. This gluttonous power has now turned inward. Step by step, our rights and freedoms, held so dear, fought for and died for by so very many, are being taken from us. Now, we are all suspected of wrong doing, ironically, by a rogue and lawless regime. We are supposed to respect a government that stops and feels free to interrogate any and all in hopes of finding one wrong doer. If we resist, refusing to answer their questions, we are held under deeper suspicion and interrogated further. This is collective punishment. We are all presumed guilty until proven innocent, particularly if we are other than white. We expect this treatment at international borders, but not within the boundaries of the United States. The founding fathers, once they had turned a blind eye to the past, valiently created a system protecting its own citizens from abuse by their own government. The last seven years have seen this system deteriorate dramatically. Think again of Nazi Germany and the Jews and gypsies. Step by evil step, things got worse and worse. Absolute fear kept the people from resisting. People were afraid to even talk about it. Does this sound at all familiar? Now we seem to be scapegoating Hispanics, (Mexicans), making them look like the ruination of this country. We dehumanize them by calling them names. We demonize them by saying they are taking our jobs, selling drugs to our children, collecting our tax dollars through welfare. The jobs they take are jobs no Americans want, for pay and conditions that are substandard to say the least. Criminal offenses are conducted by a very small minority of Hispanics, legal or otherwise. I must add that far more U.S. citizens commit crimes than do the undocumented workers who we try so hard to demonize, who's only crime is illegally crossing our border in order to survive and make a better life for their families. I'm deeply ashamed at the treatment a number of our community's citizens have endured. The girl who's family was taking her to get a driver's license, for example. Think how excited she must have been. Then how terrified! This family was taken from home, school, friends, work, belongings, life, and for what? These people were not citizens of the United States, but they were citizens of our community and most importantly, are human beings. You know, Hitler wanted German youth to rat on their own parents and friends. I will not do that here. It is our patriotic responsibility to resist the direction this administration has taken. Thank you Friday Harbor for showing the will to do that. I love you! David Garfield RESPONSE TO Homeland Security Checks at Anacortes terminal 2-3 times a week for immediate futureDear Editor, posted 03/19/2008
Reasons why Immigration and Customs Enforcement Checks at Anacortes terminal must stop: We unfortunately live in a community that lacks diversity, lacks people of color, and that will become less diverse if these actions are to continue. Racial profiling by Immigration and Customs Officers is unavoidable as well as unethical. I fear that persons of color or with foreign accent will be excessively questioned and detained, creating an undesirable reality to living in San Juan County, WA. San Juan County, WA is still part of the United States! Though we like to think ourselves to be different, we are not leaving any national borders or entering into the United States when arriving at the Anacortes Ferry Terminal. No San Juan County Resident or Visitor should be subjected to the humiliation of questions of citizenship, detained for any length of time, surrounded by persons with guns and dogs. These actions create fear and anxiety among honest people and are much too familiar to scenes from countries, past and present, where the control of militarized states is used to oppress the people. This must stop! There are obvious economic consequences of delaying ferry traffic further, which creates an additional "hassle" for commuting workers and for tourists planning to visit during the summer. It might be said that "only 2-3 boats a week" will be searched, that these actions are only to find the "bad people." What will keep these actions from becoming standard procedure for all San Juan / Anacortes Ferries? What about the detainment and questioning of persons on any and all State Highways? How will the description of targeted, "bad people," be kept from one day describing a larger group of people within our community? Opposition to these actions needs to be expressed now. At no point may we as a community allow it to be said, "that the people of San Juan County do not oppose the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) check in Anacortes".
Owen Cheevers More Ways to save while traveling to SeattleTo the Editor, posted 03/18/2008 Q: Is there a way to get to the Northern Lights Casino near March's Point without a car? A: Yes! SKAT route 513 stops at the Smoke Shop west of the casino. Let the driver know your destination. Q: Can we take well-behaved, leashed dogs on the SKAT bus? A: Unfortunately, no. All pets must be in carriers. Q: Where do I make the connection from Greyhound or Amtrak to the Metro bus to the airport? A: The Seattle Metro bus 194 express to Sea-Tac takes about 40 minutes. When the transit tunnel is open (weekdays 5am-7pm), the Greyhound stop is at Convention Place Station, 9th and Pine, and the stop for Amtrak is the International District Station, 5th and Jackson. Both are about a two-block walk. When the tunnel is closed, the stops are 7th and Stewart (Greyhound) and 2nd and Jackson (Amtrak). Route 174 also goes to the airport in about 50 minutes and has the same pick-up points. Fare is $2 peak hours and $1.25 non-peak hours. In answer to the excellent suggestion that SKAT, Amtrak schedules, etc. should be available at the library, I've donated a set of schedules including the Gas-Saver's Guides to The Library on San Juan. They will be in a folder on the reserve shelf in a week or so. Gas-Saver's Guides are also available for purchase at Griffin Bay and Harbor bookstores and Compost It in Friday Harbor and the University Bookstore in Seattle, with a new edition coming out soon for spring. Thank you all, and happy traveling,
Alison Longley RESPONSE TO Homeland Security Checks at Anacortes terminal 2-3 times a week for immediate futureDear Editor, posted 03/14/2008
QUESTIONS:
The same article mentioned above (in the weekly newspaper) said "local elected officials are nearing a boiling point" (tax paid) because of U. S. Border Patrol (tax paid) checks on vehicles and people departing the Washington State ferry at Anacortes. I suggest that those local officials (tax paid) should just put on their big girl panties and deal with their end of the problem be deciding which priorities they want to push. If they are in favor of supporting, tacitly or not, a greater influx of illegal aliens into our community then they should expect continued enforcement in various areas against those same illegal aliens. If they, and members of this community, decide that they would like to support local workers who are in the United States legally then perhaps there would not be so many illegal aliens here and the level of enforcement interest would ebb. It was put forth by another local official that "...the question is whether there's racial profiling going on..." Golly – What is a border patrolman to think if he asks a person, "Where were you born?" and the response is "What?" in a foreign language. Then the border patrolman asks the same question in the individuals native tongue and the response is the country of their real birthplace. When asked if he/she is a citizen of the United States and he/she says "No" is the U. S. Border Patrolman (tax paid) supposed to put on a dunce cap and wonder what he should do now since the people are arriving from San Juan County? I am unaware of any provision of federal law that provides special exemptions for San Juan County. Yet another Councilman expressed a fear that border patrol checks would slow traffic, discourage tourism and create a climate of suspicion. Having lived and worked in border communities for much of my life, I know beyond doubt that those very issues do crop up when communities, for whatever reasons, support or condone the continued presence of illegal aliens and concomitant problems. Note that this letter would not have been written in response to an article that would not have been written without the continuing presence of illegal aliens in our community. In spite of all of the above, our local officials and The Journal explicitly decry the actions of the border patrol. Perhaps they should step up and be a part of the solution by deriving stances and policies that address the underlying true problem instead of symptoms of that problem. If you want the names and telephone numbers of some excellent workers who are here legally, let me know. Dennis R. Hazelton Thank you to VotersDear Friday Harbor Voters, posted 02/27/2008 Thank you all for the support!
Sharon Fishaut Strong Support for the County CouncilDear Editor, posted 02/27/2008 I, and many residents with whom I have spoken, have been thoroughly embarrassed, not only by these members of the ferry committee, but also by the vitriol of their supporters. On what possible level does kindergarten behavior such as this benefit any of us? It has certainly reduced our credibility at WSF (and we used to have some); it has made our County government's job more difficult, and it has diminished those who engaged in it. The WSF has some real problems: their source of funding has been cut since the motor-vehicle tax was repealed, the price of fuel has doubled in the last two or three years and their boats are old and need replacing. Since we in the San Juans all depend on the ferry system, we had better find a way to work effectively with them instead of insulting and demeaning them. I certainly appreciate our Council's having the guts to ask our citizen volunteers to represent us in a respectful, effective and productive way. Joanruth Baumann
Update on Kunya Village and Daniel Rateng in Kenyan ViolenceWe have had many people contact us worried about Daniel Rateng' and the situation in Kunya Village in Kenya in the wake of post election violence there. Daniel is fine, as is the village itself, at least in terms of there being no violence there (there are almost no Kikuyu tribe members there to hassle) but the living and health conditions have worsened considerably. With the nearest source of supplies being Kisumu, one of the centers of violence and unrest, they have not been able to get drinking water, food, fuel, medical supplies, etc. Everyone has to drink the untreated lake water, even those that formerly could afford a chlorine treatment product. Therefore there is a spike in disease, especially Bilharzias, for all. The people of Kenya are caught between the wills of two intensely ‘strong men'. We were able to observe the behavior of each in person when we were in Kenya, and do not see a Solomon-like sacrifice on the part of either. It is the common person, to whom it matters little who will run the government, who is being so badly hurt in this tug-of-war. The money raised in Friday Harbor this fall for the clean water system is safe in the Village Volunteer's bank account in Seattle. It represents about 50% of the final amount needed to solve this water problem. We are searching for grant opportunities to acquire the rest. Any leads residents may have for appropriate grants sources would be appreciated. Then, with the necessary funds, we will supervise the building of the water project, presumably after the current unrest settles down. Joanruth Baumann, Like Sun City, But Without The Sun?Dear Editor, posted 02/15/2008 Yep, all kinds of trades come to the island to work by the day. Sometimes because locals are too busy or lack the expertise. But just as often islanders hire them because they charge less. Off-island cost of living must be much lower if they can afford to spend four hours or so commuting by ferry to work out here, and still charge less. It is incredibly disingenuous to suggest that if they moved here they could make a go of it. How's that work? We all gonna come down with a long term case of ‘Support Your Local Business'? Will it become law? Will we be fined for not using locals? They are precisely the people who are leaving, some after years of working here and in many cases making what would be a very decent living some where else. They still can't afford to buy a house. They can't get in the game. We all know someone who tried and couldn't make it. At least for now, let's stop pretending that's an option. But hey, the boat floats both ways. If they can come here to steal our ‘high paying jobs', we can go there and rustle up a few for ourselves. Local businesses may have to become more wage competitive, is that what they're worried about? For the most part those businesses wouldn't exist without a year-round population base. A now steadily fleeing/heavily taxed and grumpy/aging population base. By commuting to a high paying job it's possible people could still live here, support local business, and have fewer discussions about affordable housing. This place is the attraction, we don't need to hold people hostage. Are businesses concerned that islanders will go off-island to shop? Well those who already make a regular run to Costco will continue, but they sure aren't going to haul their loot home on a passenger ferry. At least not a second time. So I don't think businesses need to worry about losing their death grip on purchases long term. Plus the ferry that takes our students and worker bees over, will return with day trippers who want to eat, drink and buy stuff without the hassle of a ferry line. Good financial offset. (Though a summertime hassle for island commuters.) A passenger ferry would give college students of all ages quick (okay reasonable) access to a university. It would make it easier for those who go over for medical care. We all know this, we've been having that discussion for years. Bellingham has just tooled-up their medical system with a plan that is 20-years out, they should be sending the boat to fetch us! I do believe that having easy access to Bellingham, without having to live there, would make us a more attractive place to live. It works for Whidbey. I know, I know, "We're not Whidbey!" (indignant voice) but you do know what I mean.... And did I mention, it may make it financially feasible for more, young, people to stay here. That's a guess. I really don't know if it would or not, and neither do you. But you jumped on the ‘protect business' bandwagon and I'm afraid that will color your ‘study'. I vote for giving it a try. A real try, not a month or two teaser. More important, I vote for a study that confines itself to projected daily/annual round-trip passenger load, boat size and fuel cost, the nuts and bolts. I don't think city government should be in the business of protecting business, it means somebody is left unprotected. Leave it to the Rotary Club. I realize islanders seesaw between expansion and contraction. We have a big hoist-the-drawbridge contingent battling an army of realtors. Sometimes they're in both camps. Something has got to give. At this rate, we're going to be a bunch of old people with ‘highly paid' caregivers living on a rock. Which would be difficult and boring. And if it must come to that, on this Vitamin D deficient February day, I'd rather be bored baking in the sun at a less expensive 50+ community. Even if it doesn't have a moat.
Mary Ellen Courtney Noxious Weed Board ressponds to Kaill's report cardDear Editor, posted 01/25/2008 Last spring Public Works hired Christina Newhall to perform weed removal and other duties along the county rights-of-way. Approximately one-half of her time is devoted directly to noxious weed control. During the summer she spent numerous hours removing tansy ragwort along the road sides of the four larger islands. At the end of tansy season, she was asked by the Weed Program to switch her weed control efforts to two plants, both relatively new to the island ecosystem, and spreading rapidly. Recently added to the County Weed List, spurge laurel and common fennel pose new threats. Spurge laurel is a toxic plant invading evergreen forest floors and oak savannahs. Common fennel can overtake open dry meadows. A concerted effort to control these species now may prevent them from becoming the tansy ragwort and Scotch broom of tomorrow. Along with removing weeds along public rights of way, Ms Newhall has taken careful notes on weed distribution, allowing us to coordinate our weed control efforts on public and private land by targeting specific areas to which we will direct educational materials and, ultimately, enforcement efforts. Sincerely,
Judy Jackson Response to MacLeod's reply to editorialDear Editor, posted 01/25/2008 Mr. MacLeod's response to the Islander's editorial nowhere suggests that he and the FAC owe the citizens of San Juan County an apology. Nor does he even admit that the meeting was not a legal meeting: indeed, he puts the term "illegal meeting" in quotation marks, as though that term were not correct. Mr. MacLeod, you and the FAC held an illegal meeting. Period. No ifs, no ands, no buts. No quotation marks about it. What's more, this was not inadvertent; you were told at the outset, apparently, that it was an illegal meeting, but you decided to continue anyhow. You and the other committee members apparently considered your task too important to bother with complying with the law. I have to wonder, when you were, as I understand it, the Managing Editor of the Seattle Times, whether that paper was so cavalier about public servants who violated the Open Meetings Act. I would be very sad to think so. Rather than carping, you in particular, Mr. MacLeod, should be appreciating and complimenting a news editor who is not afraid to bring the misdeeds of public servants to the attention of her readers. What is so hard about saying frankly and honestly "yes, we admit that we held an illegal meeting, we thought our business was too important to undergo the nuisance of complying with the law, but we were wrong, and we won't do it again?" What is wrong with saying "we didn't plan on holding an illegal meeting, we didn't set out intentionally to do that, but we did, and that was a wrong thing to do?" What, in short, is wrong with taking responsibility for doing something wrong? No wonder our children grow up with a confused sense of ethics and public morality when they see the leaders of their community not only acting illegally, but when caught at it refusing to take responsibility for their actions and apologizing to the public for them. Christopher Hodgkin Response to SAN JUAN ISLANDER EDITORIAL
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