Here’s a thought…
Two Proposals Submitted for Use of San Juan Island Solid Waste Facility
By Stan Matthews County Website and Communications Manager San Juan County Officials opened two proposals for the use of the San Juan Island Solid Waste Facility at 4 p.m. on October 1. Kentec Energy USA
Guest Column: Vote for Charter Control for Fiscal Sanity
By Steve Garrison The current Charter blocks any effective long term fiscal reorganization of county government. Real problems need to be fixed and the Charter Amendments will help. The Council says that they county will
Tipping Fees and Trucking Block Management Contracts for Orcas Waste
By Margie Doyle San Juan County Public Works Director Frank Mulcahy freely admits he was surprised last July by the response from Orcas Recycling Services (ORS – The Exchange) when his department sent out
Guest Opinion: The County Charter “Ain’t Broke”
from Ed Sutton "It Ain't Broke" We have all read many letters about the proposals of the CRC to amend the County Charter. I was a member of the Charter Review Committee, and, in retrospect,
Guest Column: A Look at the Cost of Government
By James Wolf My guest column posted in Orcas Issues on Sept. 26 pointed out the Charter Review Commission’s lack of analysis leading to their propositions to amend our county charter. I addressed the commission’s
Oct. 4 Deadline for State Oil Spill Plan Comments
From the Friends of the San Juans Please comment on the State's Oil Spill Contingency Plan Rule by October 4th (a week from today). Hundreds of thousands of tourists enjoy the beauty of the San
Excise Tax Garbage Hike Takes Effect October 1
By Stan Matthews County Website and Communications Manager Beginning October 1, 2012 the Excise Tax Rate on garbage collection will go up from 10% to 16%. The new rate goes into effect on all the
Funhouse Commons and Orcas High School Team Up on “Futures Fair”
The Funhouse and Orcas Island High School are teaming up for the annual post-high school “Futures Fair” on Wednesday, October 3. For the sixth year The Funhouse is bringing expert college counseling consultants from Seattle.
Elwha Running 30 Minutes Late
From Washington State Ferries The Elwha is running approximately 30 minutes behind schedule due to Customs and Immigration delays in Anacortes. This will affect the 4:30pm westbound sailing from Shaw to Orcas, and the 5:10pm
Guest Opinion: Charter Implementation Hasn’t Worked
By Bob Levinson I am currently a member of the Charter Review Commission (CRC). Six years ago I unsuccessfully ran for a Freeholder position but followed the process closely. I was not completely satisfied with
Celebration of April this Saturday Morning
From Joann Frances A celebration of April, the former bovine mayor of Eastsound, and the special bond between people and animals is scheduled for 10:45 Saturday, September 29. We will gather at her field and
Energy and Rental Assistance Moved to Orcas Family Connections
The Opportunity Council’s Energy and Rental Assistance programs which used to be administered at the OPAL Community Land Trust office have been moved to the Orcas Family Connections Resource Center at 1292 North Beach Rd.,
Council Writes Ecology about Oil Spill Plans for Salish Sea
To Sonja Larson, [Washington state] Department of Ecology RE: Comments on proposed amendments to the Oil Spill Contingency Plan Rule (Chapter 173-182 WAC) Dear Ms. Larson, We appreciate this opportunity to provide the following comments
Celebrating the 30th Anniversary of the Freedom to Read
From Kathy Lunde, Orcas Island Public Library Celebrate Banned Books Week September 30-October 6, 2012 Banned Books Week is an annual event celebrating the freedom to read. Typically held during the last week of September,
Letter to the Editor: Former Elected Officials Support Charter Amendments
Dear Editor, Your former countywide Elected Officials urge you to support the Charter Amendments for better government in San Juan County. Sincerely, Mary Jean Cahail Tom Cowan Tom Starr Alan Lichter Paul Dossett Bob Myhr
Guest Column: Rigorous Analysis and Common Sense Missing in Charter Review
By James Wolf Despite meeting weekly for 6-7 hours over four and a half months, the 21 members of the Charter Review Commission, elected by the citizens of San Juan County last November, failed
