Here’s a thought…
Letter to the Editor: “Review” Does Not Mean “Reverse”
In 2005, 21 volunteers researched the complex workings of our county, and sorted out what was successful from what needed improvement. These county Freeholders acted somewhat like our nation’s Founding Fathers did, when they drafted
Guest Column: Original Charter Based on Numbers
By Jeff Bossler A response to Bob Levinson's letter As a former Freeholder, I know how much work went into the proposal for our current Charter of which the citizens approved nearly 2 to 1.
Guest Editorial: Pair of Dimes and Paradigms
By Nelson Rios I’m admittedly old enough to remember when gas cost a pair of dimes per gallon. We would collect pocket change, buy fifty-cents worth and cruise around all evening. Today, with gas on
Guest Column: Vote for Charter Control for Fiscal Sanity
By Steve Garrison The current Charter blocks any effective long term fiscal reorganization of county government. Real problems need to be fixed and the Charter Amendments will help. The Council says that they county will
Guest Opinion: The County Charter “Ain’t Broke”
from Ed Sutton "It Ain't Broke" We have all read many letters about the proposals of the CRC to amend the County Charter. I was a member of the Charter Review Committee, and, in retrospect,
Guest Column: A Look at the Cost of Government
By James Wolf My guest column posted in Orcas Issues on Sept. 26 pointed out the Charter Review Commission’s lack of analysis leading to their propositions to amend our county charter. I addressed the commission’s
Guest Opinion: Charter Implementation Hasn’t Worked
By Bob Levinson I am currently a member of the Charter Review Commission (CRC). Six years ago I unsuccessfully ran for a Freeholder position but followed the process closely. I was not completely satisfied with
Council Writes Ecology about Oil Spill Plans for Salish Sea
To Sonja Larson, [Washington state] Department of Ecology RE: Comments on proposed amendments to the Oil Spill Contingency Plan Rule (Chapter 173-182 WAC) Dear Ms. Larson, We appreciate this opportunity to provide the following comments
Letter to the Editor: Former Elected Officials Support Charter Amendments
Dear Editor, Your former countywide Elected Officials urge you to support the Charter Amendments for better government in San Juan County. Sincerely, Mary Jean Cahail Tom Cowan Tom Starr Alan Lichter Paul Dossett Bob Myhr
Guest Column: Rigorous Analysis and Common Sense Missing in Charter Review
By James Wolf Despite meeting weekly for 6-7 hours over four and a half months, the 21 members of the Charter Review Commission, elected by the citizens of San Juan County last November, failed
Guest Column: Is Washington Unique?
By Gay Wilmerding Across the country, 21 million voters or more may be turned away from the polls because of a spate of 2011 voter suppression laws. Contrast Washington. Our Secretary of State’s office mailed
Memo to SJ County on Orcas Recycling Services Proposal
To the San Juan County Council: Thank you for devoting serious attention and time to the privatization plans for the Orcas transfer station. We appreciate the responsibility you have undertaken, and share your sincere commitment
Letter to the Editor: Much Appreciation From The Kings Football Team
On a beautiful Saturday morning an exuberant group of 12 and 13 year old boys made memories while playing the great game of football on their home field. On that day the Kings Youth Football
Letter to the Editor: Six Council Members Deliver Incredible Value
I am voting to reject propositions 1 and 2 as put forward by the Charter Review Commission. While arguments for rejecting this ballot measure have been reasoned, specific and intelligent, arguments to approve have been
Letter to the Editor: Reject Charter Review Propositions 1 and 2
What began in the late 19th, early 20th century as a good government reform movement still holds value for us today. The county administrator/commission form of government began as a result of a progressive movement
