Predictions 2014: the Sun Will Shine on Orcas

 — by Margie Doyle —

• Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (UTC) will fine CenturyLink for its communication failures in the November cable break;
• Madrona Point will open up again thanks to work of John Campbell and Peter Fisher in establishing good relations between the County Council and the Lummi Nation;
• The public will engage in visioning Orcas Road expansion with the Land Bank playing a mediator’s role between bicyclists and runners who want to widen the road, and preservationists; an alternative “parallel” road will be designed with the cooperation of private property owners;
• The Public Library expansion will prove a boon to a wide segment of the community, with more services, conferences and meeting areas;
• With the legalization of marijuana for recreational use, when Country Corner opens up its retail outlet, there will be only a handful of local customers who have already established sources; BUT the tourist economy will send lines around the corner as Orcas becomes a Pot-OK tourist destination;
• The renovation of buildings on the Orcas School campus will proceed on-budget and on-schedule in 2014; with local companies sharing in the benefits;
• The Orcas Fire and Rescue will pass its levy with at least a 5 percent margin after vigorous debate that will determine the direction of the Department for the next 10 years;
• The Food Coop will bring increased local produce growth and consumption to Orcas Island;
• A movement to make Eastsound a true “walking village” will succeed in making one weekend “car-free” from Washington Federal Bank to the Community Church and from Main Street to School Road, with community parking lots at the Fire Hall, the Senior Center and St. Francis Church and a shuttle bus service.