Council Candidates’ Takes on Tough Decisions

By Margie Doyle

(Third in a series of articles)

The Eagle Forum held a well-attended public forum on Saturday April 6 on Orcas Island in which candidates from Lopez, Orcas and San Juan residency districts answered questions from the audience and vetted by Eagle Forum members.

The following question was asked of all the candidates:

What is the hardest decision you’ve had to make in representing a large group of people?

Rick Hughes:
The hardest decision came at laying people off. “You get to a position where you need to make changes…. You pray, ask questions, consider alternatives, then make that decision.”

Lisa Byers:
As a young person, firing [employees] was the most difficult choice. “When it comes to large group of people, when Wild Rose Meadow project was in the middle of construction, the recession hit. Previously [OPAL] had always raised money before hand. Ten people [would be] losing full-time work so we engaged in extensive community conversation among  the OPAL board and homeowners to reach a decision to take on debt. Now three years later, I’m pleased to say the risk has paid off.
“It is imperative to engage in thoughtful conversation so that the risk is clear, so people will stick together to the conclusion.”

Lovel Pratt:
As a County Council member, dealing with the budget cuts beginning in 2009 that included layoffs and hourly reductions were difficult decisions. The hardest was the Critical Areas Ordinance (CAO) update: it was “such a contentious adoption process… We inherited a six-year old process, already a source of great frustration. …. The challenge to take it on and get it done is often very hard; it’s easier to put the decision off because of its contention and challenge. [You have to] have the willingness to listen to all sides, compromise where appropriate, and the courage to make those decisions.”

Bob Jarman:
“Laying people off employment is very difficult —  its effect on citizens and the community. The hardest is firing because of the legal activity that follows… I take my time and look at all aspects.”

Jamie Stephens:
“I committed when I ran [for County Council] to do the research, seek consensus and make difficult decisions: the solid waste debt, the budget crashing, the CAO and broadband, particularly on Lopez, [where there was] a large committed group of people who wanted cellular access.” [I consider] what is in the best long-term interest of county citizens. I have to feel good about my decisions.”

Brian McClerren:
“It takes courage to run and subject yourself to scrutiny. I’ve developed understanding and respect for the other candidates.
The toughest decision came when he was an active member in a church community of 400-500 people in Oregon and helped his church “keep from splitting up in a community of a few thousand people; [where some members] lost money or dropped out of school. I saw something wrong happening, and had the courage to stand up.”