Here’s a thought…
Letter to the Editor: Islanders for Better Government Describes Charter Propositions
Dear San Juan County resident: This November you will be voting on three propositions to modify our County Charter. Islanders for Better Government (IBG) has been formed to promote these changes.Please read the description of
Letter to the Editor: Orcas Council Opponents Agree, Urging Rejection of Charter Propositions
Dear Voters, As the two candidates running for the County Council from District 4 on Orcas Island, we would like to thank the Charter Review Committee for their time and energy devoted to the Charter
Letter to the Editor: Charter Group’s Review to Give Citizens More Control
The Charter Review Commission (CRC) was elected to evaluate our Home Rule Charter to determine if it meets the needs of San Juan County. The CRC spent 5 months doing that. We worked hard and
Guest Opinion: A Simple Explanation of Charter Amendments
By David Turnoy Having moved here recently from a small town that seemed to be constantly embroiled in political tumult, I have been a bit surprised by the furor over the Charter Amendments. But because
Letter to the Editor: Vote No on Prop. 1
I’m very disappointed by the significant changes being proposed by the Charter Review Commission (CRC). This group seemed intent from the start to gut our Charter with little more than strong opinions to justify their
Letter to the Editor: Kaleidoscope Thanks the Island Village
Once again, our Orcas Community gathered to support Kaleidoscope Preschool & Child Care Center. We held our 8th Annual, Island Grown Island Raised Dinner & Auction and had the best turn out, EVER! The room
Guest Editorial: County Manager Based Governance in San Juan County
By Nelson Rios Having worked for twenty years in a county manager based system in the Mid-Atlantic region, I was well positioned to observe the structure and function of such a governing arrangement. I worked
Guest Editorial: Thoughts on GMO-Free San Juan Islands
By Madie Murray There are few places in the world that could remain effectively GMO [Genetically-modified organism]-free, and the San Juan Islands is one of them. I think this is significant and something we can’t
Letter to the Editor: Gov’t. Administration Should be Consistent and Fair
Reject Charter Review Propositions 1 and 2 – Let’s move forward not backwards After serving under the charter form of government for the last 20 months, I have come to fully appreciate the value its
Letter to the Editor: Students Show Leadership in Education
This month we are reaching out to donors to help with two different needs at the school. The first need is to help fund more hours for our incredible music teachers so that there may
Letter to the Editor: People not Structure Make County Gov’t. Work
Do we really need to reorganize our county again? Every organizational structure has its strengths and potential weaknesses. We don’t need to gut the Charter system the voters approved in 2005 to make it work
Guest Opinion: A Visual Approach to Charter Review Propositions
By Jeff Bossler I'm noticing that lots of well-meaning folks are talking past each other regarding the Charter Review Commission's proposals because it's difficult for most people to visualize issues of voting power by district
Guest Opinion: Financial Self-interest in the Sewer Connection Debate
By Joe Cohen I will skip any discussion of the ‘history’ of how this issue got to where it is – knowing it is a minefield with heated opinions and perceptions. Rather I would like
Letter to the Editor: Still Time to Support School Music Program
What a concert! It's not too late to support our local "School Music Matters" Fund. On September 12, I attended a wonderful concert at the Community Church in Eastsound. The musicians performing were students in
Council Member Pratt Responds to Consignment Treasures
To the Editor: In response to concerns about the future of Consignment Treasures, I want to start by saying that I appreciate Consignment Treasures and the service it provides to the community. I want to
