— from Nate Averna —
I am writing today in support of Greg Ayers for Port Commissioner.
We met the other day on the docks at Deer Harbor and had a great discussion about the airport and the Port district commissioner role he is running for. We discussed the changes to the Orca whales, salmon and the surrounding seas, as well as the Orcas Airport Master Plan, and what should or should not be done at the airport.
All I can say is that he gets it. He understands the marine ecosystem and he
understands an airport on our rural island. He listens and engages with the community.
I hope you will join me in voting for Greg. He is the right choice for Port Commissioner in this election.
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So what is it that Ayers “gets”? I gather that he agrees with the writer, but this post gives me no idea of what his positions are on any of the issues that the Port will be dealing with. I am afraid of a Port Commission which will perpetuate the status quo: lip service to public procedure, and airport expansion that intends to move Mt. Baker Road and make half of Brandt’s Landing Marina inaccessible to boats and people.
I will still be voting for Mia Kartiganer.
I agree with Thea Patten’s comment. How well does Nate Averna know Mr. Ayers, and has he seen him in a position of power at Public Meetings? Because I have.
Mr. Ayers stated, the night he introduced himself at a Port meeting for consideration for appointment on a vacated seat, that he is all for growth and protecting the aviation industry (I can find my notes and quote more exactly what he said.) He said NOTHING about representing the PEOPLE who elect him. Thankfully, he was NOT appointed. I also saw him in action at EPRC meetings when he was chair. He cut people off, raised his voice at some of us, and showed unwillingness to listen to viewpoints conflicting his own; troubling traits for someone representing a varied constituency.
If you want someone who will represent the entire constituency, rather than ONLY the aviation industry, then vote for the people who had the guts and commitment to listen to our concerns and stand up to those who approved this Master Plan. They don’t believe the hype that it will “never happen,” or”not in 10 or 20 years”, when for the first time, these radical changes are all put out onto the paper plan drawings and will irrevocably push us into directions that the majority of us DO Not WANT. Mia Kartagainer will listen to all viewpoints, collaborate, is smart, stable, and will approach this with balance and willingness to learn. She has my vote.
Thank you for your continued engagement in our community, Sadie.
I do have a direct, forthcoming process. I gather facts and opinion, I do the analysis, and then move forward to put a decision into action. Please let me be clear. The Port is required to have a Master Plan, but we don’t have to implement it. And I am not in favor of expanding the Port. I am in favor of keeping the Port safe, fiscally sound, and operating with good governance guided by the needs and cultural values of our rural community. Period.
Thanks,
Greg
http://www.ElectAyers.org
Greg, please be specific about what you mean “guided by the needs and cultural values of our rural community.” Guided How? By your personal understanding, or are you suggesting a formal process? Also, the word expansion is problematic — what do you mean specifically? For example, the former dog park land (outside the current footprint) — will you support the development plans there? What in the master plan do you or do you not support?
Thank you all for your questions!!! I had exactly the same response to this Letter to the Editor….pretty darned vague to my eye…. I think we need to be careful here.
Susan,
Thank you very much for the questions. Clearly there are many misconceptions shown by the comments in Orcas Issues about me, my beliefs and my desire for a fair and equitable process in how the port conducts business. Let me provide some answers related to me and my thoughts. For you, and others, details can be found on my website http://www.electayers.org. I am also more than willing to meet with any members of our community to share my thoughts and vision for the port, and also my thoughts on organizational processes.
With respect to who defines the island culture and values – It is the people of Orcas Island. I never base decisions on my own opinion alone. I first collect input from the community and consider it carefully and thoroughly. Ultimately, all the commissioners will need to come to consensus and a decision. The decision will almost always require compromise, with the public and with fellow commissioners. To be pragmatic, there will be times these decisions may not be consistent with everyone’s opinion(s).
With respect to collection of input, opinions and data – I am always in favor of processes that are fair, consistent and compliant with local regulations. I am a strong believer of informal discussions with individuals and small groups of community members to discuss thoughts and opinions, collect input and information. I presently abide by the Open Public Meetings Act at ESWD meetings to assure compliance with state laws, but also to provide a forum for the community to comment and provide their input. Special meetings, which I strongly support, such as town halls and community discussions, are key for good decision making. As I said at League of Women’s Voters forum on Monday, I am also in favor of using state-of-the-art media for communications, to assure as full of public engagement as is possible.
With respect to the Master Plan – I am NOT in favor of the relocation of roads, forcing alteration of a marina, changing land use designation or any other aggressive actions by the port. I am not in favor of the aviation industry, other than Airlift Northwest and Island Air. I start with the philosophy of “no change”. I want to make sure we maintain services in the most cost-effective manner. Presently I feel growth into the “dog park” land is inappropriate unless and until there is a compelling argument made by the community to do so.
Again, thank you for your questions and comments.
As I re-read my comments, some were not clear so I want to avoid misunderstandings:
I support our commercial aviation partners, as they are today, such as Airlift Northwest, Island Air, Kenmore Air, UPS and Fed Ex. At this time I do not personally see a need for expansion of services. But I am interested in the opinions of the community.
For the previous dog park property, I support expansion of the airport onto this property only if the community is interested in using that parcel and/or if required by regulations.