January
“Our first interest is for public safety and preservation of the land.” Chris Guidotti, Moran State Park Manager on the trails being constructed by extreme bike riders.
“To be a resident on Orcas is to immediately become part of island past, present and future.” Historical Society President Margot Shaw.
“I’d like to say, two years from now, that I’ve left the district in a better place – and that’s going to depend on the five of us.” Orcas Island School District board member Scott Lancaster.
“We all want to do the right thing, and we’re having a hard time doing the right thing in a timely manner.” John Evans, President, San Juan Builders’ Association.
“Our real strength is the ability to see opportunity and move on it.” Orcas Island School District board member Charlie Glasser, on extending enrollment in OASIS alternative high school.
February
“By making the school more energy efficient, the gap between learning about a problem and doing something about a problem would be filled.” Terrell Carter, Lopez High School Senior, on paper recycling for his senior project.
“People then were so tied to the idea of what education could do for the community, and we all believe that.” Community Foundation President and local historian Tom Welch.
“I’m really proud of the kids. The seniors set the goal of going to the State tournament… when they were in the eighth grade. It has bee their focus since day one of this season.” Lopez Lobos’ basketball coach Brad Smith.
“I get to encourage children to open up their imaginations and center themselves with a book rather than to stare at a screen all day.” Orcas Island School Librarian Claire Reutter.
March
“Lack of public participation is not a new issue.” Orcas Fire Commissioner Jim Coffin.
“I have to do the best I can to return my husband to Orcas because I will not be able to work after the baby is born and be a single mother.” Wife of an Orcas Island resident and immigrant worker who was apprehended in the Border Patrol “check” in Anacortes.
“The Board and administration feel very strongly that any… budget reductions should be as far away from students and classrooms as possible.” Bill Evans, Lopez School District Superintendent.
April
“Moving forward, it will be easy to clarify.” Orcas Fire Commissioner Jim Coffin.
“I realize we’re under a timeline, but I don’t want to destroy Eastsound village.” County Planning Commissioner Brian Ehrmantraut.
“The Board has told us that … if we don’t meet this deadline it could impose penalties, including a moratorium on issuing building permits. That would be disastrous for our local economy.” County Council member Rich Peterson.
“With a $667,000 deficit, everyone’s going to be hurt, in every department.” Orcas Island School District board member Tony Ghazel.
“The public is worried about you guys, not about the volunteers, but about what you guys are doing with our money and running the department.” Eastsound business owner Kathleen Speed at the Fire Commissioners’ meeting.
May
“We stand for the world’s children and grandchildren, and for the seven generations beyond them.” Jan Loudin of the May 11 “Stand for Peace” event.
“The change in policy will have to come from Congress.” Joe Giuliano, Border Patrol enforcement officer.
“Our earth is in trouble and I would like to help with that.” Adrian Speers, OASIS High School student participating in Farm Education and Sustainability for Teens (FEAST).
“Kids who’ve grown up here have a unique perspective on what’s important.” Moana Kutsche, Co-chair of Orcas Island Community Foundation’s Grants Committee.
June
“We hope to motivate you to work with us; to speak up when we say, ‘Now’s the time.’” Jim Kramer, San Juan Initiative Director of Shoreline Study pilot project.
“Now I’m going to travel and do and see and learn to do as many different things as possible.” Kai Womack, OASIS High School graduate.
“Orcas are icons and indicators of the quality of Puget Sound and coastal waters. How they fare in coming years will tell us a lot about our own fate.” Ken Balcomb, founder and director of the Center for Whale Research.
“I’d like to talk to you about sharing intelligence.” Border Patrol Intelligence agent as quoted by WSF Ferry worker John Norby.
July
“You are the next generation, and will be the backbone of OPALCO’s line crew.” Randy Cornelius, General Manager of OPALCO, speaking to new linemen.
“If you don’t invest in education, you don’t have workers, and you don’t have an economy.” Governor Chris Gregoire at an Orcas Island community meeting.
“It was incredible how the fire just stopped at the clearance around the cabin’s perimeter. It made a huge difference for all the surrounding neighbors.” Orcas Island Fire captain Max Jones.
“At the end, we’ll have reductions in place where we don’t want them, wherever we make them.” Orcas Island School District Board member and Budget Advisory Committee representative Keith Whitaker.
“Thanks to the help of the BAC … in looking at things we haven’t looked at before. Their work will help for many years to come.” Orcas Island School District Board member Tony Ghazel.
August
“Investing upfront in strengthening and supporting our community not only helps people but also saves us incredible dollars.” Moriah Armstrong, retiring Orcas Island Prevention Partnership Director.
“We have a first-class person of tremendous ability leading the district, and we are very much looking forward to the future.” Orcas Island School District Board member Charlie Glasser, on Barbara Kline’s appointment as Superintendent.
“Every time we lose a working family, we lose a part of what makes Orcas unique.” Amber Minnis, Kaleidoscope Childcare Center Director.
September
“The community realizes it has this commitment to education and gave almost as much as last year with very little publicity, and we are deeply grateful.” Janet Brownell, Orcas Island School District Board president, on the $200,000 contributed to the school by the community.
“Anything that has broad community support is looked upon favorably by politicians and grant funders.” Jon Shannon, Director, San Juan County Public Works.
“It is important for all of us to consider stepping up to a leadership role on Orcas Island.” Mary Riveleand, Orcas Island Community Foundation trustee.
“We’re sitting on a jewel here and we’re not protecting it.” Gene Knapp, Orcas West County Council member.
October
“We have to be watching and, where possible, participate and voice our opinion, in hopes that the changes won’t be too dramatic and the impact won’t be too protracted.” Ed Sutton, Ferry Advisory Committee Chair.
“If the code is so onerous, why did a cell tower just go up?” Lopez Island County Council member Bob Myhr.
“We are not going to take teachers’ salaries for upkeep of the skatepark – that’s not fair.” Orcas Island School superintendent Barbara Kline.
“I’m thrilled the board was able to do something to help. That’s what a coop is all about.” OPALCO general manager Randy Cornelius, on the board’s deci
sion to pass on a $1,000,000 rebate to its coop members.
“The nature of life on the islands has always been to piece together doing what you love, working the land and doing other things you need to do, and can do, to be able to live here.” Ruthie Dougherty, Land Bank steward and owner of Bright Meadow Farm.
November
“We’re seeking positive solutions for a good asset. Let’s all work together and let’s solve this.” Orcas Island Prevention Partnership Director Marta Nielson, at skate park meeting.
“The EPRC could do everyone – the street vendors, the business owners and the county council – a huge favor if they came up with a recommendation to the county.” Orcas West County Council member Gene Knapp.
