Vicki Vandermay Responds to Orcas Issues Questions for Recreation & Park District Position #1

Vicki Vandermay

Orcas Issues asked candidates for elective races to respond to questions. Vicki Vandermay’s and Marian O’Brien’s  answers are featured today.

All other candidates for the proposed Orcas Recreation and Park District are unopposed.

Candidates for the Orcas Fire District Position  #2 (Duff Andrews and Clyde Duke)will respond to questions tomorrow.

For further information on each candidate, contained in the Official Voters Guide, go to the official San Juan County website:

https://wei.secstate.wa.gov/sanjuan/Pages/OnlineVotersGuide_20091103.aspx

Readers will be able to refer back to the candidates’ answers on previous days by typing their name in the “Search” window at the top of the website.

1)  What in your experience and vision brings you to put yourself forth as a candidate for the five-member Orcas Island Parks and Recreation District (Orcas Parks & Rec)?

I am currently a member of the Orcas Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee as well as Secretary for the Orcas public schools PTSA. I have seen first hand what is happening to our recreation programs and I want to work with the community to serve their needs and provide a quality program that reaches all ages.  I believe that organized activities are very important for our community and if I can offer my assistance in that endeavor I wish to do so.

2)  What challenges and opportunities do you foresee in the proposed transition in oversight and management, if Orcas Parks and Recreation moves from a county agency to a junior taxing district?

I think that the challenge is going to be bringing all of the existing groups into a working, functional organization.  The opportunities are endless.  The community will play a big part in helping design this new entity and I look forward to working with them and designing a win-win organization for us all.

3)   The current Orcas Parks and Recreation program has been built up over 16 years. What elements of the program need the most support and what elements need introduction if the voters approve the establishment of a recreation and park district for Orcas Island?

Because of county budget cuts and the fact that Parks and Rec has been funded mainly by donations the financial aspect will need support.  We will work with the community to figure out what elements they are interested in pursuing and what other programs could be included.

4)  What are the challenges and opportunities of creating a new board and what in your past experience prepares you for the task of working with four individuals to direct the Orcas Island Parks and Recreation District?

I am very excited to be creating a board with individuals who also have a vision to form a quality program that reaches all ages and serves our community.

I worked with business leaders in the Young Presidents’ Organization (YPO) for seven years as their executive director and believe I have the skills necessary to work cooperatively and effectively with many individuals.

5) What will be your guiding principals and considerations in formulating a budget for the Orcas Parks and Recreation District?  What sources of funding do you see supplementing the taxing potential of a recreation district?

My guiding principals would be to look to the community and my fellow board members for their input in formulating a working budget.  I intend to be flexible and responsive.

The funding will depend on what is included in the Parks and Recreation District based on community wants and needs.  What is included will set the stage for sources of funding.

6) Please cite whatever models you will consider in service to a Parks and Recreation district for Orcas Island.

I believe Orcas Island to be unique. There are many people on Orcas who have knowledge about what we need and how to get it.  I would welcome hearing from those people about their thoughts. I would defer to the community who loves this island and our programs. I would be very receptive and flexible in looking at what they want and tailoring it to our unique and special needs.