— by Bear and Mitzi Johnson —
To the Voters of San Juan County
Re: Bill Watson, Candidate for County Council, District #1, San Juan County.
As full-time San Juan County residents since 1983, we’ve watched the County grow from sleepy, little laid-back communities to vital location destinations with great eco-tourism appeal. We appreciate the difficult balance between economic survival and potential destruction of what makes the islands so treasured and magical. Bill understands that fragile balance.
Bill is clearly an accomplished professional. Confident and articulate, he has both successful experience in public service and the intelligent, honorable fairness to guide our County into the future. It takes courage and intellect to be an effective, and balanced, voice for the future of our communities. Level-headed, approachable and clear thinking, Bill represents our hope for the future of San Juan County.
Bill has been a treasured personal friend for close to seven years. We have come to know him well and enthusiastically support his candidacy.
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With respect: a person who served on the Friends of the San Juan’s board would be better described as a person with a definite point of view willing to support legal action to advance the organization’s agenda–which some would characterize as more “passionate” than “balanced”.
With Respect:
Since we have not had a person with an interest in seeing the whole big picture besides economic growth – and whenever we have one, there seems to be a witch-hunt against them (remember what was done to Lovel Pratt?) I would welcome someone who is willing to listen to our concerns and give some attention to protecting watersheds, shorelines, and forested wetlands; someone who sees healthy ecosystems as part of the balance – not a “passionate” agenda.
There’s more to balance and fairness than economic growth and profit for a few. I’m looking for councilors who will address some things like income inequality, quality of life for working class and poor UGA residents (under-represented and unrepresented.) If Watson seeks fairness, balance, and responsibility shared by all in how we grow, then he would have my vote.
I don’t agree with your assessment of the Friends; I think if anything, they have not done enough to protect important forested wetlands – Eastsound Swale, for example. I am sick of people vilifying the Friends. Somewhere in the middle of these polar extremes that seem to plague us, lies truth, balance, and true stewardship of our lands, waters, and community life.
Environmentally empathetic persons are not “anti-growth.” We all understand that we are growing. We should have the right as a people to decide HOW we grow, and what kinds of people we hope to draw to the San Juans.
I do not think that every single parcel in San Juan County ought to be allowed to be developed. That is unsustainable and irresponsible.