Here’s a thought…
Letter to the Editor: Marijuana Legalization Makes for Safer Communities
Washington voters have an opportunity to reverse decades of harm caused by marijuana prohibition. Study after study has confirmed that marijuana is safer than alcohol, healthier than tobacco. Yet we have arrested tens of thousands
Letter to the Editor: Coal Terminal Brings Many Negative Impacts
Dear Editor, I’m writing to express my concern about the Gateway Pacific Terminal proposed for north of Bellingham by Peabody Energy (Peabody Coal) and Seattle-based SSA Marine. The negative impacts that coal trains and the
Letter to the Editor: School Bond Would Enact Local Builders’ Recommendations
We are hoping you join us in voting “YES” for the $11.9 million construction school bond on your November ballot. In early 2011, the school board engaged local building professionals, lead by contractor Clyde Duke,
Guest Column: Pete Rose Speaks to his Record
By Pete Rose In May of this year before a final vote by the Charter Review Commission and before I left the county, Gordy Petersen delivered his opinion about why I may have left
Letter to the Editor: Up to Voters to Help Renovate School District Buildings
Dear Orcas friends and neighbors, We urge you to vote YES for our schools! Never in our memory has a proposed school bond been dissected, examined, discussed and finally, endorsed by so many people who
Orcas Council Candidates Talk to Orcas Issues: Part Two — CAO Update, Experience and Goals
(Yesterday we ran Part One of the Orcas Issues' candidate interviews. Following are answers to the second set of questions posted to Rick Hughes and Scott Lancaster.) 4) What is your opinion on the current
County Employees Union Endorses Hughes for Orcas Council Seat
By Colin Maycock, President AFSCME Local 1849 On the 19th of September, American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Local 1849 held regular general meeting and a candidates forum. The forum provided the
Guest Opinion: Council Member Pratt Supports Propositions
To the Editor: Since a number of my fellow Council Members are speaking out in regard to the Charter propositions, I feel compelled to share my perspective. That said, I will serve San Juan County
Orcas Council Candidates Talk to Orcas Issues: Part One — Administrators, Solid Waste and the Budget
(Orcas Issues asked several in-depth questions of our two candidates for County Council for the Orcas West position, from which Richard Fralick is retiring. Following are answers to the first three questions, with answers from
Letter to the Editor: Huge Appreciation for Whale of a Show
For the past several years, Didier Gincig has produced and directed the Whale of a Show at Orcas Center, keeping this wonderful Orcas Island tradition thriving. It has always offered the community a chance to have fun, on stage
Letter to the Editor: In Support of Proposition 1
We have seen a flurry of opinion pieces telling us to reject any change to our Home Rule Charter. I support the changes recommended by the Charter Review Commission, and want to focus here
Letter to the Editor: Scott Lancaster Has Proven to be Conscientious Official
Island West Residents and Friends, This year's election is approaching soon, and all of us will be faced with some important decisions. One is our choice for our next county council member. I have thought
Letter to the Editor: Reject Props 1 & 2 for the Good of All
What Works Best For The Good of All? 1) Representation – Isn’t it better to actually know your representative? Voting for someone you know, because they live in your community versus having everyone select representatives
Guest Opinion: Proposition 3 Ensures Open Public Subcommittee Meetings
By Moana Kutsche You have probably read a great deal about proposed Charter amendments 1 and 2, but not much about the third proposal. Proposition 3 will ensure better transparency in county government by requiring
Writing Effective Coal Terminal Scoping Letters
By Chom Graecen The Scoping Process for Gateway Pacific Terminal at Cherry Point is now in full swing. Yes, we Orcas and SJ residents, have concerns about the potential impacts of our surrounding waters becoming
