Orcas Issues asked the two candidates for the Orcas Park and Rescue District Position to answer some questions for our readers. Their responses follow:
From left, Theresa Haynie and Deborah Jones meet the public at the League of Women Voters Forum at the American Legion Hall
Why did you decide to run for this position?
Theresa Haynie: I decided to run to support the ongoing activities and growth of OIPRD as they grow to manage both recreational facilities and events that enhance the quality of life here on Orcas Island.
Deborah Jones: Orcas Island Parks and Recreation District serves everyone. It offers social settings for people to meet and be active. It organizes activities for children teaching social and physical skills. It operates and maintains park space. As a family, we have always believed in utilizing the programs offered by the OIPRD. I have volunteered as a coach over the years for my children’s soccer teams. The OIPRD provides the feeder programs for high school sports. As a volunteer coach, I felt that I had little guidance. I often volunteered because I didn’t see many other volunteers. It seemed like there was minimal funding for sports programs along with a lack of coaching continuity and I wanted to know more about the district and how the levy money was being spent. I have always thought that if you have a concern, the best option is to get directly involved.
What are three major issues facing the Orcas Park and Recreation District?
Theresa Haynie:
1. Next funding round from property taxes
2. Management of Buck Park and coordination with the School District
3. Growth of facilities to accommodate broad range of recreational needs on Orcas Island (in and beyond Eastound)
Deborah Jones:
1. Supporting strong programs for children and the community with continuity. The Orcas Island recreational sports programs are the basic building blocks for kids to become competitive in high school and beyond.
2. Creating better communication and cooperation with OISD board to reach common goals. (i.e. proposed school track and other shared spaces) How do we make the best use of our limited Buck Park property?
3. Obtaining community financial support through passage of a new OIRPD levy in February in order to keep the district viable and bridge the previous shortfall of budgeted funds.
Of the three, which one is the most urgent and why?
Theresa Haynie: Number one is most urgent. In this time of competing funding needs, from OPAL, the looming Concerto project, and the rising costs of living in the islands, simply asking Orcas Islanders to put out money, even if in a small amounts as a percentage of property tax, will require a thoughtful education campaign by the Commissioners.
Deborah Jones: The most urgent issue is to obtain community financial support to compensate for the lack of funding. When I initially voted yes to the levy in 2010 for creating a publicly funded parks and recreation district I thought it was the answer to creating better recreational programs. What I recently learned is that when the recession hit and the property values dropped, that left the OIPRD short about a third of the funding it originally had budgeted. I had no idea the amount of money needed for simple operations from the critical staff who operate the programs to the upkeep and maintenance of fields, courts, the skate park, the porta-potty facilities, purchasing sports equipment, (the list goes on). The board has been operating on a shoestring budget to simply keep the district “afloat”. In order to move forward with our programs, we need to fund the infrastructure.
What unique qualities do you bring to this job?
Theresa Haynie: I’m a sports-minded member of the community, with a background in business and finance, experience in traditional and social media, and an all-around team player who can work well with the OIPRD staff and other commissioners.
Deborah Jones: The ability to listen and connect to others has motivated me to become involved with community issues. I have served on a town council, a community foundation board and a homeowner association board. I also have a strong sense of commitment. Being a parent of two young boys makes me fully committed to making sure that the OIPRD thrives. I can act as a conduit for the needs of young families.
How do you propose to work with the other directors of the Orcas Park and Recreation District, and staff and volunteers?
Theresa Haynie: How I would propose to work with the other directors (Commissioners), staff and volunteers, means listening to current concerns, assisting with problem solving, ensuring that money and resources are in place to support the staff and volunteers, and being part of a successful team of Commissioners and OIPRD staff. There is a lot of work to be done, and providing support to the staff is key.
Deborah Jones: I feel that the OIPRD commissioners have had a difficult task of starting up this district and trying to keep it viable. It is time to take the OIPRD to the next level by recruiting more community financial support for the vital services that a recreation district provides. I will work the other commissioners by keeping communication open between Orcas families to build more support. I also want to smooth the relationship between the school board and the recreation district by trying harder to work together as a “team”. Problem solving takes the ability to listen and brain storm. I want to make sure that staff and volunteers have the resources they need from the district. I would “check in” frequently with staff and other volunteers to see how we can improve and build on what we have.
The reason for the budget shortfall in conjunction with lower property values was a result if how the levy was (poorly) written. Other levies do not rise and fall with property values. This should be corrected and the levy language clearly understood by those in charge.