— from Marcia West, Director, for Orcas Island Park and Recreation District —
Many have asked “where are the Park and Rec Commissioners in filing for the 2015 November election?” The answer is they are carefully guarding the limited District fees and trying hard to stretch our reduced budget to cover as much programing and park improvements as possible. The Board reviewed the options for the upcoming filing period and elected to hold off on filing until other candidates had filed for their positions. If no one files, the Commissioners are automatically retained for another 2-year term and the District saves the administrative costs of the election. That savings is enough for a new set of soccer goals and replacement tennis nets, or reroofing the baseball dugouts in the park, or offering much needed scholarships for programs.
The district’s original budget took a 35% reduction from its proposed operating level. This reduction was due to the drop in real estate values and the resulting property tax. Working with this budget adjustment, OIPRD has tried to keep costs to a minimum while working to both create and provide recreational programing and bring the facilities at Buck Park up to a safe and enjoyable level for all. In addition to finding savings in administrative costs we have tried to limit the cost of mailing by using as much electronic communication as possible and creating our published materials in-house. We are also working hard to being as cost-effective as possible with staffing and equipping the programs.
Rest assured that the Park and Rec Commissioners are keeping a watchful eye on the elections and the park operations. Their delay in filing was not that they do not care for the office or the process but that they care immensely and feel a strong fiduciary responsibility for guarding your recreational tax dollars.
Hope to see everyone in the park this summer; we have sports and activities for all ages from Senior pickleball to PeeWee Play Group. The summer program list is online at www.orcasparkandrec.org or pick a copy up in the office, located in the Funhouse Commons.
Please let us know if you have any questions, 360-376-7275.
The answer given by Marcia West as to the rationale for Park & Rec Commissioners NOT filing for the open positions is an insult to the electorate.
As I recall, the Commissioners puled this stunt on a earlier election cycle as well. It absolutely subverts the democratic process.
Apparently six candidates did file during the extended period for the five positions. I offer a sincere thank you to those neighbors, particularly to the three new candidates. I intend to vote for them; except that two are competing for a position.
I also intend to investigate the law that allows incumbent commissioners to continue on for two more years if no one files for an open position. That is just wrong and needs to be amended to allow appointment by an independent agency, perhaps the County Council.
I must again strongly register my disappointment in the Park & Rec people in using budgetary issues as justification for not following protocol in the election process.