Here’s a thought…
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
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
