Here’s a thought…
February Elections if Proposition One Passes
By Milene Henley, County Auditor “What Will Happen IF….” The Charter Review Commission has proposed a significant change in the structure of county government. If adopted, Proposition #1 would return the county from six district-elected
Writing Effective Coal Terminal Scoping Letters
By Chom Graecen The Scoping Process for Gateway Pacific Terminal at Cherry Point is now in full swing. Yes, we Orcas and SJ residents, have concerns about the potential impacts of our surrounding waters becoming
Writers’ Gym: New Creative Writing Class
Writers' Gym is for writers of all skill levels to keep their wordsmith skills flexible. The class will include readings, discussion, prompts, exercises, and peer feedback. Every writer will produce new work. The workout begins
Letter to the Editor: Charter Review Makes Improvements on Home Rule
Please support the three Charter amendments proposed by the Charter Review Commission (CRC). The Commission was elected by voters to do precisely what they did – review the Home Rule Charter and make recommendations for
Letter to the Editor: Response to Rhea Miller and Kevin Ranker
I admire and look up to both Rhea Miller and Kevin Ranker for their hard work in the past for San Juan County, and for their ongoing commitments. My hat is off to them. I
Letter to the Editor: Citizen-Recommended Charter Refinements Lead to Accountable Gov’t
I urge all to vote "YES" and APPROVE the changes to the County Charter as recommended by the citizen-elected Charter Review Commission. I speak from experience. I have been personally involved with San Juan County
Ten Eye-opening Facts I Learned about Coal Shipping
It can't happen here? This is what the 1989 Exxon Valdez 11 million gallon crude oil spill looked like, transposed to the Strait of Juan de Fuca, Salish Sea and Pacific coast. (Reprint use
Letter to the Editor: Countywide Elections Illogical; County Manager Needed
Countywide elections are not logical. The current method of voting only in your district ensures that all voters are properly represented on the council. This system provides objective and reasonable representation for all citizens. The
County Party Heads Both Support Charter Propositions
No polarity here! Democratic and Republican party heads both support amendments to the County Charter From Gordy Peterson It may be newsworthy when there is agreement about good governance in San
Letter to the Editor: Charter Propositions Provide Empowerment
Dear Editor: The suggested changes to the charter provide one thing for each and every citizen of this county—empowerment, and I support all three recommendations. When I was a commissioner, I noticed that few people
Letter to the Editor: Vote Yes to Ban GMOs
Dear Editor, This to express our support for San Juan County Initiative 2012-4, which would prohibit the growing of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in open systems such as agriculture and landscaping. Having worked in the
Unwrapping the School Library!
Four top sellers (In back row -- l to r: Sabrina Bailey and Madison Todd. Front row: Millie Kau and Jefferson Freeman) From Janet Brownell The Orcas Island Education Foundation (OIEF) is pleased
Letter to the Editor: Opposing Coal Terminal, Orcasians Join Conference
Somewhat by chance, last week I found myself participating in...actually, just listening in on...a conference call orchestrated by the outfit in Bellingham, SSA Marine, which will be building and operating the proposed coal export facility
Letter to the Editor: Propositions 1 & 2 Would Create Unfair, Politicized Climate
I am opposed to these Propositions because, unlike what is claimed by the proponents: The fact is that the overwhelming majority of counties in the U.S. have more than 3 Council members Proposition 1 would
Letter to the Editor: League of Women Voters in Opposition to Charter Schools Initiative
Vote No on I-1240, Creating a new Charter School System We need proven solutions for all children before unproven ideas for just a few. Here are a few reasons why I-1240 is not the solution.
A Bright Day for Homecoming 2012!
Orcas High School students march by class down North Beach Road in the Homecoming Parade on Friday, Oct. 5. The Homecoming Football game is today at 1 p.m. at Dahl Field. Just as
