— from Communications, San Juan County —
Frank Mulcahy has given San Juan County notice that he will resign from his position as Public Works Director effective Sept. 30, 2014, citing family and career reasons.
Frank joined the County in late 2011. During his tenure, Frank oversaw the county’s transition out of solid waste services, and was instrumental in developing new relationships with nearby counties for shared services. His enthusiasm and energy for public works projects and services was notable and will be missed.
Mike Thomas, County Manager, indicated that the search for a new public works director will begin immediately.
I sincerely hope that the Council will appoint a new Director who has a vision of country roads which puts equal consideration on pedestrians and bicyclists rather than the current focus on wider straighter roads with a wide road corridor and overhanging branches trimmed so motorists will have a better view. In my opinion and experience this only increases vehicle speeds and endangers pedestrians, bicyclists, and vehicles alike. As a 37 year resident of Orcas I have seen our quaint country roads turned into avenues more appropriate for Bellevue than here. There comes a point when ‘improving’ our roads only leads to faster vehicle traffic and I think we are past that point now. We are already home when we get off the ferry and do not have to be in such a hurry. Slow down and enjoy the view.
Michael Durland
I echo MIchael’s note…..and add that it is not necessary to cut down firs that are deemed “too close” to the road, when safety barriers are planned. O.K. for the barriers, but a different plan could have saved those large trees, here before any of us were, and fulfilling their purpose here. I’m speaking specifically of Crow Valley Rd., a true “country road”, despite the double yellow lines. The wrath of the gods will be on your heads if, in order to “improve the road”, you ever decide to cut a few trees as one nears the juncture of Orcas Rd. and Crow Valley Rd.
I’m all for including the walk/bicycle group, however….
I too am interested in preserving our island’s rural character, including trees and winding roads, and paths for bicycles and pedestrians as separate from the roads. I don’t think that Mr. Mulcahy was the problem, however.
It seems to me that, given the County’s million dollar budget deficit, rather than hiring a new Public Works Director immediately, the County might want to undertake a rethinking of the entire department, or at least ask prospective directors foe their thoughts about it.