By John Evans
The Eagle Forum Candidates forum Saturday provided insight to each of the six Council candidates viewpoints.
From the San Juan District,
It is clear Bob Jarman places high value on protecting the rural quality of life in the San Juan Islands. His focus is on preserving what is special about the island life style and natural environment. Bob is not a polished speaker but one could not miss the sincerity of his commitment to the people of the islands and our rural values.
Bob’s opponent, Lovel Pratt seemed focused well beyond the boundaries of San Juan County. She references seeking State and Federal grant money for this or that, and her enthusiasm for working the legislative halls of Olympia and beyond, promoting or protesting a variety of issues. Lovel says that she listens. Unfortunately most who have talked with her on important community issues feel she may listen but doesn’t hear. She was the principal advocate for passing the Critical Areas Ordinance that today has our citizens and the County courthouse tied in knots.
From the Lopez District,
Jamie Stephens is a bit of a puzzle as a candidate and sitting Councilman. He is a likable and amenable, but when it comes to Council responsibilities he hangs back on choosing a coarse of action. It is hard to assign a viewpoint or opinion that he stands for. He was consistent in his support of Lovel and Howie’s notions when they served together on the prior Council. He guided and voted for the Critical Areas Ordinance that is such a complex mess that implementing it is being delayed again.
Brian McClerren brings a new and positive dynamic to this election. He is a young man with a young family, and a small business on Lopez. He is focused on how to make the islands a welcoming place for young families and on preserving the rural character and lifestyle of the islands. He has a clear understanding of what one would call “island values” of being good neighbors, being good stewards of the environment and allowing for the diversity and independence that has been a hallmark of island life. He is new to the island’s political scene and has obviously done his homework. He has zeroed in on key areas where our local government is doing well and recognizes areas where it can be improved.
From Orcas Island,
Lisa Byers is a good speaker and has a deserved reputation of organizing and managing the large non-profit OPAL. She generally supports the Critical Areas Ordinance. While she has some suggestions for implementing the Ordinance, she seems willing to gloss over the many reasons the new Ordinance will be a problem for property owners and for the County to administer. She is confident she has the ability to reach consensus on difficult local issues?
Rick Hughes has a strong sense of the importance of a functioning local economy that provides jobs and opportunities for island families. He recognizes the importance of making government work better for our citizens in terms of being helpful as opposed to a hinderance. He stresses that the rules and regulations that are necessary be clearly written and understandable. He has a strong background in management.
Summary:
As a voter, I believe that Rick Hughes, Bob Jarman and Brian McClerren are the best choices for directing our County government in a manner that maintains our rural values, respects the residents of the islands and preserves the natural environment; the combination that makes the San Juan Islands such a remarkable place to live.
**If you are reading theOrcasonian for free, thank your fellow islanders. If you would like to support theOrcasonian CLICK HERE to set your modestly-priced, voluntary subscription. Otherwise, no worries; we’re happy to share with you.**
John,
Great summary of the candidates.
Thoughtful and very to the point.
I certainly agree.
John: I’m glad you stated your preferences at the end, so we can read the column as a “letter to the editor” rather than a journalistic report. Sorry I wasn’t at the meeting, so I could weave my own guest column on Orcas Issues. It would be for the other guys.
A guest column is not a journalistic report, is it?
I have attended all the Orcas forums, and found it disconcerting to hear Lovel Pratt state as late as last week that the new CAO is her proudest accomplishment. Council yesterday heard the planner who wrote most of it say even she didn’t understand it, especially the nonconforming issues. Those are the issues that Lovel claims are solved by the new CAO. If anything is now clear, it is that the nonconforming provisions remain a problem. Jamie also continues to endorse the new CAO, but several of his remarks made me question whether he has read it through. Lisa has apparently abandoned her position that the ordinance is well done and easy to apply, and concedes that “comprehensive” changes will likely have to be made, but suggests hiring yet another consultant to do what staff or the Council should have done already–determine the impact of the new restrictions.
I am very impressed by Brian McClerren, who has read a good deal of, and perhaps the entire, new CAO, and appreciates its implications for people trying to build or renovate homes in the islands–more expense, consultant and attorney fees, plus burdensome permitting fees, with no corresponding improvement in protection for the environment. Brian has made a point of going out to talk to people who will be affected, and has promised to act on their behalf. Rick Hughes has been in discussions with those in the construction trades, who are just beginning to see some improvement in that market, and proposed to put off the implementation at least until the end of the busy summer construction season. He and Bob Jarman voted to extend the implementation deadline until such time as staff can explain the new rules and the Hearing Board has issued a decision.
Is it time to allow a new team of Councilmembers the opportunity to change the direction of our County. Bob Jarman and Rick Hughes were elected in November; they should be returned to full terms and allowed to try new approaches. As the Charter Revision Committee emphasized, the new Council structure is designed in part to allow new, young County citizens the opportunity to serve as well. Brian McClerren is a shining example of someone who is committed to living and working and raising a family here, and I look forward to his fresh perspective.