||| FROM DONNA LASLO |||
I am voting for Rick Hughes for county council, because he is by far the most qualified for the job. His experience, accomplishments and excellent governmental relationships are what matters most in these challenging times.
Now is NOT the time to experiment with inexperienced leadership. We need continuity, stability and sustainable growth in our local government. Rick has worked hard for more hours than I can comprehend for our community and it’s working. I know he has high standards and goals and will continue to work hard for all of us. I am grateful for his service.
I’ve been an islanders for thirty years and I cherish the life my family and I have created here and I will protect it with my vote for Rick. If it’s not broken, don’t fix it!
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I heartily endorse your sentiments, Donna. Add to it how well Rick and Jamie Stevens (not up for a vote this year) have worked together over these past years. There is l a new face to be added to the Council from District 1. Christine Minney is getting my vote.
Let’s not have 2 inexperienced members try to navigate these difficult waters that are before them.
I must disagree. I have seen this Council overlook the opinions and rights of long term islanders in favor of more vacation rentals and more development. The Shoreline Master Program passed a few years ago gave more development rights to those who have an existing structure in the shoreline even up to the waters edge. Jamie Stevens is one who benefits from this action which was not approved by the Department of Ecology overseeing this area. It is time for fresh new faces and two new Council members who stand up for the rights of all of us without benefiting a chosen few. The San Juans do not need career politicians. Vote for the candidate of your choice from San Juan District 1 and Cindy Wolf from District 2 Orcas.
Michael Durland, I disagree with you. Rick is taking a balanced approach to vacation rentals. It’s a complex layered issue. He has a plan to implement more rules and regulations including a cap and stricter enforcement. With the $$ generated from fines, they can fund more man power for enforcement. Right now they have shut down 41 illegal VR and generated over $100,000. in fines. It’s an important issue and there are two sides that have needs. I think there has to be a common sense plan that can serve all parties. What I’ve heard I really like and agree with. Your view on the Shoreline master program is very narrow minded and I find it strange to think that Jamie did this for just for only his personal gain. It’s more complex than that. This kind of thinking is exactly why we need the experience that Rick has. He will bring a more balanced approach to complex issues. We don’t need naive leaders who have good ideas but no depth to see a much bigger picture. Vote for Rick Hughes.