— by Lin McNulty, Orcas Issues Editor —
What a year, eh?!
January 2019 was only 12 days old when we reported the shocking news that Kevin Ranker (D-Orcas Island) had resigned his state senatorial position amid questionable interactions with an employee. He was welcomed back to his Orcas Island home.
Governor Jay Inslee’s presidential candidacy provided us with plans galore for preserving our Salish Sea and our beloved Orca as he focused his campaign on the environment and climate change. Suggested throughout the year from various sources was tearing down dams built across rivers that interfere with the migration of the salmon, the main food source of Orca. Another suggestion, which promises to carry on for several years as a feasibility study if it is able to pass the State Legislature, is to establish a chinook salmon hatchery in Whatcom County. We are becoming desperate to preserve the Southern Resident Killer Whale population with lots of ideas, but no real action.
Meanwhile our resident Orca population is barely hanging on, with only 73 Orca remaining in the local population.
As things continued to heat up on the national scene, ending the year with an impeachment of the U.S. President, islanders’ attention was gobbled up by a number of local issues. The Port of Orcas, our Hospital District, and ever-troublesome land use issues stole the local headlines, with a particular focus on Vacation Rentals. Around one of these issues, an active group formed to specifically target and address on-island vacation rentals and the resultant loss of affordable housing. A draft moratorium is in the works for presentation to the County Council.
On a very local level, April brought about a change in ownership for Orcas Issues with the departure of founder Margie Doyle. Existing staff stepped up to keep the presses rolling and we added a couple more folks, as well. Our current staff includes Matthew Gilbert, Susan McBain, Minor Lile, and Deborah Sparks who do their best to keep this Editor on task. And, without whom none of this would be possible. My gratitude is huge.
And Lin, if you hadn’t stepped up as leader, Orcas Issues would have been only a fond memory. Kudos to you kiddo!
Thank you to all of you!
Wherever I am I read the OI 5:00 report. It is as important as my morning cup of coffee. Thank you to all of you who put together this important community compilation of news. It is really an essential part of living on Orcas.