Sounder letters to the editor

Planning – Cooperation should be seized

If the editor imagines that the planners’ job is to be a cheerleader for the EPRC, it is a misapprehension. Planners are professionals, not cheerleaders. Their job is to provide skilled information, analysis and recommendations primarily to the BOCC. It is not simply to acquiesce in whatever the locals want but to “transmit their recommendations to the BOCC with such comments and recommendations the planners deem necessary” (RCW 36.70.040).

A few years ago, county planners did acquiesce in what the locals wanted and it was a Comprehensive Plan that was all rosy rhetoric and simply not implemented; a plan that, when challenged by a few amateurs, was found to be inadequate to the minimum state requirements.

Now, at additional expense, the county is doing parts of the plan over in order to meet those minimum requirements and planner Pat Mann is simply explaining things as they are. The job of the EPRC is to pay attention and understand the issues, to weigh the alternatives and act responsibly in the public interest; and “assist the planning department in carrying out its duties” (RCW 36.70.040).

Nothing is that simple, of course, but to be effective the EPRC needs all the help and cooperation they can get. Historically, the EPRC got very little cooperation from planning and it was heavy going. Now that the cooperation is offered, it should be seized for the opportunity it is. In attempting to provide the EPRC with information, analysis and recommendations, Pat Mann, and Rick Rutz before him, have both endeared themselves at least to me, if not the editor.

John M. Campbell, Orcas

Library – Thanks to the library board for being brave

The following letter to the board of the Orcas Island Public Library was submitted to The Islands’ Sounder as a letter to the editor.

I just wanted to thank the Library Board for sticking your communal neck out on the (old) fire hall building question. I know how it can be to work from a long-range plan. It can be tough when surprises or opportunities rise up. You know Orcas. We all have a right to an opinion. Good luck to you all. You’ll figure it out. Thanks again

Mike Douglas, Deer Harbor

Transportation – Attend congressman’s visit

On Saturday, April 6, Congressman Rick Larsen will be in Friday Harbor to listen to county residents’ views on transportation in Washington State. He is on the Congressional Transportation Committee.

Topics on the agenda will include: federal gas tax spending changes; federal assistance for Amtrak in its financial difficulties; expanding ferry construction assistance; continued use of High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes; increase in border staffing to reduce wait times at Blaine, Point Roberts, Sumas and other communities along the border; continued funding for bus service, expanding the number of lanes on I-5; and relaxing environmental laws to build transportation projects even though they may have a negative effect on our environment.

We may appear isolated in San Juan County, but we are impacted by all of the above issues, especially the possible expansion of the number of I-5 lanes and relaxation of environmental laws for transportation projects. Pollutants move through the air and water. More vehicles mean more pollutants and increases in respiratory illnesses, especially with all the SUVs on the roads that are not required to have emission controls (similar to trucks).

I urge all of you to be at this meeting at the Mullis Center, 549 Nash Street in Friday Harbor, Saturday, April 6, from 10 until 11:30 a.m.

Spirit Eagle, Eastsound

Preschool – Discuss how ECEAP can help

We all hear of the economic pinch our country and state are in these days. Many of our island families feel this pinch in very real and painful ways, such as the loss of wages, the loss of jobs and the stress that economic hardship places on them. For over 10 years, ECEAP (Early Childhood Education Assistance Program) has been quietly offering assistance to island families feeling an economic pinch.

ECEAP provides funds to help three- and four-year-old children attend a local preschool. It also offers family counseling and referrals to county health services and other community agencies for child and parenting assistance. ECEAP money also helps our local preschools meet salary needs and buy classroom supplies and equipment. It has helped offset the cost of many parenting and teacher education classes.

Parents on Lopez and Orcas islands are invited to contact me at the ECEAP office (376-6119) to discuss how ECEAP can help them. While all of the preschool slots have been filled for this current school year, it is not too early to talk about and plan for this coming September. Please give us a call.

Gail Brooks, director, San Juan County ECEAP

Rosario – March cleanup was a great success

On a beautiful March day, Rosario Resort and the Rosario Property Owners Association joined forces in a road cleanup project. A small but energetic team of property owners met at the Dockside at 11 a.m., where they selected road assignments and grabbed garbage bags. An amazing amount of trash was gathered, especially between Otter’s Lear and Moran State Park.

Rosario Resort posted dumpsters at strategic places along the roadside. At 12:30 p.m., Katie Dillman, Rosario’s dockside manager, delivered huge and delicious complimentary box lunches which were enjoyed on the sunny deck. The day was a great success.

Sherri Harpham, Eastsound

Hotel-Motel Tax – Major change in current policy

It is my understanding that the current BOCC is considering an additional 2 percent tax on hotel/motel revenues, to generate $350,000 per year earmarked exclusively for the promotion of tourism. If this were true, it would represent a major change of policy by our county. In the past, the county has not been in the business of tourism promotion, but has used the existent 2 percent funds only to provide information to the public (through the Visitor Information Service), with other 2 percent monies going to historical museums, community centers, and the like.

In 1990 the San Juan Islands Economic Development Council and the Friends of the San Juans co-sponsored a professionally conducted community opinion survey asking participants to answer numerous questions regarding the future of the islands. At that time, when asked “How do you feel about advertising and promotion of the San Juans as a tourist destination”, 14 percent checked favor or strongly favor, 20 percent checked neutral, and 65 percent checked opposed or strongly opposed (1990 San Juan Islands Community Opinion Survey, page 12).

In 1992 and 1993 I was asked to serve by the BOCC as Chair of the Tourism Planning Advisory Committee, leading a countywide effort to study the effects of tourism and make a long-range report and recommendations to the board. The committee issued a detailed report with numerous specific recommendations that recognized the importance and legitimacy of the hospitality industry in our community while seeking to maintain the character of the islands. The committee specifically rejected as policy options: 1) The county should engage in tourist promotion directly 2) The county should fund private efforts to promote tourism (TPAC Policy Recommendations, March 11, 1993, page 2).

If the current BOCC wishes to reverse the policy it has followed for so long, it should not do so unless public hearings and feedback first make it very clear that the attitudes and desires of the electorate regarding this critical issue have also changed.

Ron Gordon, Friday Harbor

Letters policy

The Sounder has the right to accept or reject any letter. All letters considered to be libelous, obscene, threatening or in poor taste will be rejected.

Deadlines for letters to the editor are 5 p.m. Friday. Space considerations are such that we cannot guarantee that all letters will be published the week they are submitted.

Preference will be given to those letters that are timely, deal with local issues, and are limited to 300 words or less. The Sounder also will give preference to those submitting no more than one letter per person per month.

Mail your letters to The Sounder, P.O. Box 758, North Beach Road, Eastsound, WA 98245. Fax your letters to The Sounder at (360) 376-4501, or send by email.

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