Property Owners' Association to Hold Forum Today

Citizens Alliance for Property Rights Association (CAPRA) San Juan Chapter will hold a program on Saturday, Dec. 19th, at 3 p.m. in the Orcas School Cafeteria.

The public is invited to join CAPRA for a presentation on the San Juan County Draft Critical Areas Ordinance.  CAPRA President Frank Penwell of San Juan Island says, “The Ordinance can dramatically affect your use of your property, as well as the value of your property. If you are a property owner, you need to be informed and get involved.

“Citizens Alliance For Property Rights San Juan is a local organization with local volunteers. We are affiliated as a Chapter of a statewide organization that also works on property rights issues.”

Penwill will speak at the meeting. He is a businessman who started the Lions Club (ROAR) Reach Out And Recycle program, and is active in several non profit activities and organizations, as well as overseeing Consignment Treasures activities.

John Evans, who, with his wife Wanda has a farm and nursery on Orcas Island, will pose the question, “What is the Problem?”  The Evans have owned their property for over 30 years and been full time residents for 25 years.  John has served as a Chairman of the San Juan County Fair Board, three 4 year terms as an elected San Juan County Commissioner, and currently serves as the part time Executive Director of the San Juan County Building Association.  According to Penwell, Evans believes in the principle of conservation and sustainability as relates to the environment and a balanced comprehensive land use plan to guide land use decisions in San Juan County.

Bob Levinson is a professional engineer with his own business in the Seattle area will address the science involved in the Critical Areas Ordinance update. He has 40 years of local experience in geotechnical, environmental and wetland studies. He has worked on numerous shoreline stabilization projects.  Levinson moved to the San Juans in 1988 and is a Master Gardener who volunteers on the Community garden.

Richard Civille is a professional fund raiser and policy analyst, specializing in rural telecommunications and economic development. He will bring up the subject of local control. After a 15 year career in Washington DC, he moved to the islands in 1998, becoming the first director of the San Juan County Economic Development Council where he spear-headed a successful multi-million dollar public private partnership to expand high speed broadband infrastructure in the islands.  Currently, he is managing a public private partnership constructing a new 21^st Century library in Whatcom County.

Gordy Petersen will ask, “What are we working on?” He has been an active participant in local planning affairs for almost 25 years. Petersen and his wife Lori were owner/operators of two island grocery stores — Orcas Store and Friday Harbor Grocery. He has served as a volunteer on many boards and committees including chair of the Planning Commission. He was an elected Freeholder from District 1. He has degrees in Philosophy and Theology.