||| FROM CLINTON and KATHRYN GAUTHIER |||
As a lifelong Friday Harbor resident and third-generation islander, I have seen many levy asks. I feel compelled to speak on the current proposal because my wife, Kathryn, and I share a combined 45 years of experience with 4-H. We are not just supporters; we are products of its mission.
Our story began through 4-H leadership opportunities on Orcas Island. Between my 25 years of 4-H experience locally and Kathryn’s 20 years in Pierce County, we have seen this program’s impact from every angle. With the April ballot now in our hands, the stakes for local families are clear.
As homeowners and property tax payers, we understand the weight of any tax increase. However, we also value the return on that investment. In our rural community, 4-H is where youth learn financial literacy, civic responsibility, and the public speaking skills needed to advocate for themselves.
We have two daughters, ages 3 and 6. We want them to have the same “learning by doing” opportunities that shaped our lives and brought our family together. If the Levy Lid Lift fails, programs like 4-H face significant cuts. While we are mindful of the $22 monthly increase estimate for the average home, we see it as a necessary investment in our children’s future and the health of our community.
We are voting “Yes” because we want the life skill development opportunities that made us who we are today to be there for our daughters and their friends and encourage you to do so as well.
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Let me see if I understand this correctly:
Individuals who make over $100,000 a year in the county, working 30 hrs a week getting full benefits and pay for 40 hrs a week, are asking those of us working 40 to 80 hrs a week, not able to afford medical benefits to paymore for their miss management if money….
Nope I’m tired of paying for mismanagement of funds….
Eastsound water department, Opalco,
Schools and the ‘we are going to provide a 25/7 clinic’ medical center to just name a few.
But by all means while we pay $180,000 for a chef financial auditer, over $200,000 for managers that are not qualified, with board members with agendas….
Please vote no
Or
Vote yes and watch them come back in a few years again and say sorry we overspend and need more.
How many more times will it take for people to understand that the gap continues to get bigger because you allow it…..
This is not a right or left issue.
It’s those who are well-paid not wanting to get paid less but get raises….
Vote No
Don’t let them intimidate us into more pay, squandering money and holding the lower income hostages…
VOTE NO AND MSKE THEM LOWER THEIR SPENDING…
OR NOT AND WE WILL BE HERE AGAIN IN A FEW YEARS…