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Dear Editor,
posted 12/28/2006
In response to Margaret Bell's letter, I just wanted to say, I couldn't have say it better myself. Very well put and thank you for taking the time to share your heartfelt feelings. I agree with every word and I think it would be a shame to 'do away' with the memories of those lost along the road. If they stop but one person, young or old, from drinking and driving, I say, "Keep them up!".
I think we've all been touched by a drunk driver in one way or another, and if there is anything to help prevent another one getting behind the wheel, it is a roadside memorial. Not only does it remind us how precious life is, but it reminds us of those who have been lost and those who have been impacted by their death. God bless you all.
Please vote to keep the memorials, the memories and the impact it has on so many.
Cindy Gutierrez
Dear Editor,
posted 12/28/2006
Here we are defending the right to have roadside memorials AGAIN. Remember that after Matt McCutcheon died and his memorial went up, a women wrote a letter about how distracting it was...and do we all remember the response to THAT?
I believe that 100% of the many, many letters then were POSITIVE for roadside memorials. I believe that feeling is still very strong. How anyone could even consider removing something like a memorial is just so disrespectful. These memorials were put up by folks who know how to love and want to continue to love and honor their 'dearly departed'.
Every time I drive by one I think of these people...Mark and Terry- I loved ya! I miss ya! I never got to see ya grow up into old Island men, but I'm glad I knew ya for as long as I did.
Ryan- Oh, man- what can I say? I feel pain in my heart every time I drive by your memorial...not only for you and your family, but for the other families your death impacted. This still hurts so bad.
Matt- I didn't really know YOU, but I sure know your family and feel for them...and your memorial leads me to remember Pat, the uncle you never knew, but a really sweet guy...and it even leads me to remember Andi and to "send" her some love, too.
Brenda- I miss your smiling face and will always wonder how life would have turned out for you and your daughter. You were a loving person with a huge heart!
Miquel- I didn't know you at all, but seeing your memorial is a reminder of all that have died too young and too soon...and I can see you were loved and I am glad you are honored.
Most of these memorials are also a daily reminder of the horrible outcome that driving under the influence of alcohol can cause...it ruins lives so quickly- in the blink of an eye, litetrally. It's also a reminder that cars are deadly weapons, not fun toys.
Its also a reminder to PAY ATTENTION when behind the wheel of that deadly weapon! I notice that the new railing that just went up north of town on Roche Harbor Road did not impact Matt's memorial at all, so I don't see how the other memorials would be any more of a problem...just move 'em back a bit, if need be.
I want to remember and honor these people AND the people who loved them. I want to be reminded to SLOW DOWN. I want Island kids to think about those memorials when they toy with the idea of partying with their buds inside a hurtling deadly weapon. I want the story behind every memorial to be told over and over and over again as a constant reminder of the fleeting impermanence of life. Thank you for not even CONSIDERING taking these memorials down!
Margaret Bell
Dear Editor,
posted 12/28/2006
Most, if not all, of the roadside memorials are for people who either were drunk or were killed by drunk drivers. Seeing as how the memorials are on public property, I suggest that the County Road Department put up a sign next to such memorials reminding the public of that fact.
I too had friends who were killed by drunk drivers, and I was so close to death from being run down by one that my family was told I would not survive. Memorials make me sick to my stomach and cause huge amounts of heartache, feelings I don’t desire at all.
Bob Querry
Dear Editor,
posted 12/27/2006
Kudos for bringing back the Airlift subscriptions! Most of us
probably won't ever have the "pleasure" of being flown off the island
in a medical helicopter, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't sign up
for this wonderful service. You may think, "oh that's OK, my medical
insurance will cover most of the cost." Both of those things were in
my mind last year, and yet, it turns out that: a. I did get flown
off island via medical helicopter, and b. my insurance did cover a
majority of the cost. But that still left me stuck with a bill of
over $2,000 for the 12 minute flight to Mt. Vernon.
So pony up the $79 now for the insurance. If you had to cover an
entire flight due to no medical insurance (and I hope everyone out
there at least has something!), you'd be looking at a bill of about
$9,000. That's 113 years worth of coverage for you and your entire
family! All I can say is---Sign Me Up!
John Boyd
Friday Harbor
Dear Editor,
posted 12/23/2006
I am strongly opposed to the removal of our roadside memorials. One of those memorials is my best friend's. Every time I drive by it reminds me of how precious life really is and how we should honor those who lost their lives as well as remind everyone that it could happen to you.
I will fight with every bone in my body to oppose this new rule. I think those who don't like looking at them should open their eyes to the real world. If they are in fact a safety issue can they be moved back a little bit?
What is happening to this place? I am saddened everyday by something I see or hear on the streets or in our paper about changes. Why?
Nobody waves anymore and no one honors those who should be. The new people are going to win by pushing the real locals right off the island with their silly rules and politics. I am going to have to buy taller boots. Meghan Robinson
Dear Editor,
posted 12/22/2006
I appreciate, honor and respect our roadside memorials and object to
their removal. When I drive by them I slow down. I think of the person
who died. I contemplate mortality. I recognize that the vehicle I am
driving can be a lethal instrument. Far from being a safety hazard I
see the memorials as a cautionary reminder that life is short and
precious and these curving Island roads can be deadly. Honoring our
dead is something that makes humans human. If people want to live in a
fantasy land where nobody ever dies they will not find it here. If the
memorials are removed may the people who remove them be haunted by the
ghosts of our Island traffic fatalities.
Peggy Sue McRae
Friday Harbor
'TIS THE SEASON TO BE JOLLY...
AND TO COME TO A WASTE REDUCTION PARTY!
Dear Editor,
posted 12/22/2006
I'm responding to Helen Venada's recent article on the 25% increase in garbage over the holidays. I see our holiday discards as valuable resources! And, I'm ready to meet the challenge to turn those resources into some terrific, fabulous objects and have fun doing it. I hope you'll join me in this creative adventure!
You are invited to come with your friends and family to a community party on Thursday, December 28th, from 10 am to 2pm, at the Community Room, Skagit Valley College. Bring your holiday wrapping paper scraps, ribbons and bows, greeting cards, plastic and other packaging bits, broken toys and ornaments to the "you can make something wonderful and memorable" party. ALL AGES ARE WELCOME. It's free and fun!
Along with your bag or two of clean holiday "discards," please bring glue, scissors, markers, string, beads, feathers...and any other embellishments you'll need to make your treasures glow. Francie, Helen, and other surprise guests will be on hand to help spark our brain banks; we'll make useful decorative items out of all that "stuff"...you'll love it! Come share your creative ideas and practice waste reduction as individuals and as a community at this ZERO WASTE event.
Francie Hansen
Dear Editor,
posted 12/21/2006
I must take exception to this proposed ordinance to limit the term of
Roadside Memorials. It is unfortunate that someone feels it necessary to
have these memorials removed. If there is truly a safety hazard involved,
maybe the memorial can be moved to another; safer, nearby location.Otherwise I cannot possibly see an issue with the existence of roadside
memorials.
I feel that they are a good thing. They are a reminder of people
who have tragically left us. Think Ryan Lobue. They also serve as a reminder
of the events that can lead to such tragedies. I think, if you polled the
people, you would find the majority of people who have lived here for more
than 5 years would not want these memorials removed.
Alan Dortch
Friday Harbor
Dear Editor,
posted 11/06/2006
I have read with interest the suggestion by Mr. Hendrickson that San Juan
Country eliminate the Owner Builder Permit. He has suggested that "The
overriding reasons are to get safer structures." No, I don't really think
that's the reason this issue has surfaced at all. It is more likely, in my
opinion, more about control and money, as he suggests, "The county would
raise $125,000 in permit fees (if the owner/builder permit fee was
abolished)."
I know of several owner built homes on Lopez Island and to my
knowledge the wind is not blowing them over, and they are not tumbling to
the ground. I believe that we should give Mr. Cory's comments with regard
to these permits "serious" thought. Let's keep this permit system.
Don Poole
Goreville, Illinois
Dear Editor,
posted 11/02/2006
It is the same old story--when you cannot do it by logical means--then yell "It's a safety issue". I cannot beleive that anyone would build a house for his family that would be unsafe. It is the only sensible item left that helps in the area of affordable housing. If the County wanted to really help (not hinder) it would pay the fees for the applicant.Why would the County need $125,000 in additional funds from the people who can ill afford it?
This system does work and the old saying "If it is working-don't fix it" Mr. Henricksen--forget it!
As to the changing of the rules please refer to the next to the last paragraph of the owner/builder agreement and then tell me why you cannot make changes????
Who has the menu?
Edward F. Smith
Dear Editor,
posted 11/02/2006
I would like to ask Planning Department Director Ron Henrickson if he really thinks the owner/builder building option is robbing the department of enough funding to abolish the agreement? Have you considered the time saved in processing these permits? Have you talked to realtors regarding the 'safety' of owner/built homes and their resale values? Have you considered the limitations of the International Building Code and it's relevance to sustainable, energy efficient, resourceful building techniques?
Ron, you're way off track by trying get rid of the owner/builder agreement. Before you pursue this idea I invite you to survey and inspect the owner/built homes in our county. You will find they are high quality dwellings.
Jay Ibold
Owner/Builder, West Valley Road
Dear Editor,
posted 11/01/2006
Where are you from, Mr. Hendrickson? Was it Mason County?
Your suggestion of doing away with the owner builder option in the county code will cause hardship for many... not because they cannot pay a full permit fee but because they must build their own homes bit by bit in order to be able to live here. This practice of building bit by bit has gone on for decades in San Juan County and is a way for a person to maintain his/her self esteem while achieving an affordable home in the islands.
If the problem is a loss of $125,000 anually in revenue, then increase the owner builder permit fees. I feel the problem may be, rather, that certain persons wish to eliminate the owner builder option altogether, and mentioning lost revenue is a ploy on your part to gain sympathy for this cause. Elimination of the owner builder option will keep many persons who have owned property here, especially old-time islanders, from building. Do not forget these persons are tax-paying, property-owning individuals... not someone looking for a handout.
You are a San Juan County official. It is not your job to be in bed with those who wish to abolish owner builder law.
Wendy Russell
Response to SJI Fire Chief resigns
Dear Editor,
posted 11/01/2006
I am writing to anyone who has an interest in making San Juan Island a safer place to live and love. With the recent news of Chief Bill McLaughlin's resignation, coupled with the current recruiting efforts of the Town of Friday Harbor to find a Fire Chief, this is the perfect time to encourage the Town of Friday Harbor and San Juan County Fire District #3 Fire Commission to merge the two departments under positive, well-respected, and experienced leadership.
Chief Robert Low currently holds the position of Fire Marshall for SJI. Chief Low was Fire Chief for the Town of Friday Harbor Fire Department for many years. I had the opportunity to work under Chief Low's Command and I found his experience and leadership to be invaluable. Chief Low had complete respect from his firefighters and officer corps - something that is essential in the fire service.
Among Chief Low's accolades as Fire Chief include the fact that he was selected to participate in a Leadership in the Fire Service seminar presented by the Washington State Patrol Field Operations Bureau and The Office of the State Fire Marshal. Participation in the event was by invitation only and was taught by nationally acclaimed Phoenix Fire Department Chief Alan Brunicini.
I once heard Chief Low say that "while we are fighting a fire, we tend to forget there is someone standing there watching things go terribly wrong in their lives. We need remember that our job is much more than just putting the fire out". For me, this hits the nail on the head about who we need as our SJI Fire Chief - someone who is technically capable of "putting the fire out" and who understands the "human side" of a catastrophe.
Chief Low "practices what he preaches". He coordinated and participated in building a wheelchair ramp on a freezing cold winter morning for a citizen who called us for a chimney fire the week before. She didn't ask for a ramp, but Chief Low recognized that she needed one and he built it just the same.
He rebuilt a garage that was destroyed during a 4:00 am fire for a citizen. She didn't ask that the garage be rebuilt, but Chief Low knew it needed to be done.
He spent countless nights on the Friday Harbor boat doc just to make sure those returning from a rescue returned safely.
I could go on, but I think you get the picture. We have the perfect person to provide leadership to take care of our homes, our property, our pets, and our lives right in Friday Harbor. So take a look at your house, your car, your antique china, your dog or cat, your child, your neighbor - and ask yourself what you can do to make SJI a safer place.
I encourage the Town of Friday Harbor and San Juan County Fire District #3 to merge Fire Departments under the leadership of Chief Robert Low. The time is finally right. It's not about money. It's not about politics. It's about who can lead the nearly 100 volunteers while understanding the human impact of tragedy. Chief Low can do that.
Becky Rusnak
Dear Editor,
posted 10/27/2006
Thanks for posting such a wonderful article on our daughter, Stacie. We are so proud of her and know she really has a heart for helping people. Thanks for helping to make her dream come true.
Ma and Pa Nordrum
Dear Editor,
posted 10/18/2006
Glad the book recommendations by the library patrons is back. Tt is very helpful.
Also was so glad to see the display case back. Always missed it.
All of you are so helpful. You are appreciated. Beth, bringing the books to Mullis Senior Center every week and taking the time to read to the seniors is above and beyond and deserves everyone's thanks.
Doris Estabrooks
Dear Editor and island-neighbors,
posted 10/18/2006
I think this bridge is a riduculous idea, for one it is an eyesore, and it looks very out of place, my biggest concern is that it will destroy Sunken park, which is not only a historical facet of Friday Harbor, but also is a great location for many local events, and is used daily by kids and adults alike. With the installation of a bridge, I think we will be taking away something that is very important to a greater percantage of the people in the community.
Adrian Kilpatrick
Dear Editor and island-neighbors,
posted 10/13/2006
This week's report on the plans of the recently-revived Friday Harbor Intermodal Transportation Committee have energized me nearly as much today as they did a decade ago when I had one of my best ideas ever. At some risk of being accused of thinking outside the box and in celebration of the 10-year anniversary of its debut, I would like to submit here again the text of a column that I wrote in February 1996 for the local newspapers about ferry parking in the Islands. The vocabulary seems a little dated now, but I include the original text below for authenticity.
I would urge anyone who would like to participate in some kind of virtual parking lot (see below), where you can actually still use your car to run errands, go to work, etc. on a day you choose to line up for the ferry, rather than subscribe to another "paved-paradise-put-up-a-parking-lot" scenario, to let your town, county and ferry representatives know that there has simply got to be a better idea than a bigger ferry holding area (although I like the trees in the new plan, it still means waiting unnecessarily for hours with your car in line). This isn't really about a reservation system. It is about lining up cars without actually using the cars as placeholders in the line. This idea is not likely to work well on the mainland, but there is no reason some variation couldn't work here. The idea doesn't change the number of cars hoping to get on any ferry, it just changes the drivers' access to their cars during the waiting period.
(February 1996) At a recent open house, the obscurely named Intermodal Transportation Facilities Group unveiled its plan to vastly overhaul Friday Harbor's waterfront to manage ferry traffic into the future. One of the major shortcomings of this plan is the design of extravagant new facilities for stockpiling passengers and vehicles waiting for ferries.
After spending many hours trying to imagine a lower-impact solution to our transportation needs of the future, I now believe that the Information Age could solve some of the existing traffic problems. Rather than constructing more parking lots for cars awaiting their turn on the ferry, filling up most of the remaining empty space in Friday Harbor, I propose a VIRTUAL PARKING LOT (to use a term from cyberspace) in which information (vehicle identification and time of reservation) rather than cars would be queued, setting the real vehicles and people free to do what they like until it is their turn to board.
Although Washington State Ferries has balked in the past when the question of reservations has arisen, it should be pointed out that the ferry system already uses a kind of reservation system, and that the token for holding one's place in line is presently A CAR. With a bit of futuristic thinking, the barbarity of such a system becomes clear.
As a possible replacement to the present system, each driver could stop by a manned kiosk or place a phone call, declaring his intent to take the next available ferry and registering his place in line. The ferry line now becomes just a list somewhere and does not take up town real estate.
With his place in line secured, each driver can do what he likes, using his car, until perhaps 30 minutes before his scheduled sailing, at which time he must be parked in the ferry holding lot, which need only be large enough for one boatload of cars. An employee would verify that each car in the holding area is pre-registered.
Since packing of vehicles varies on each run and there must be room for vehicles with emergencies, perhaps each sailing would have out 10 "stand-by" spaces, to be assigned after the reserved cars are loaded, as the system sees fit. Unscheduled cars arriving at the last minute could still claim any empty spaces, as they do now.
This plan could work for all the islands. Everyone who lines up to use a ferry on San Juan, Orcas, Shaw and Lopez must already be on the island, and we would all still have equal access to the new queuing system. There is no question of special treatment for residents.
Some effort will be required to design a system that is not open to abuses such as line crashing, a black market in selling spaces in line, or favors passed out to friends by the person assigning spaces. (The only advantage to the present system that I can see is that cheating is pretty difficult.)
Instead of an architect who is trained to design structures, the Washington State Ferries System needs to hire an information specialist who is knowledgeable about modern technologies to design this new reservation system. The problem is really very simple; how to line up cars waiting for the ferry without using the actual cars. The savings of man-hours wasted waiting in line, and dollars spent on purchasing and constructing new parking lots would be enormous. The parking solution proposed in the present Intermodal Transportation Plan is right out of the 1950s. It is time to move into the 21st century, preserving our small-town character at the same time.
Ten years is a long time to wait in line -
Claudia Mills
San Juan Island
Uncomplicate Our Lifes!
Dear Editor,
posted 07/21/06
I can't hold my opinion any longer. It has been reported that
islanders are being asked to consider a variety of issues, namely
whether we need a traffic circle at the intersection of Spring Street
and Argyle, and whether mandatory curbside trash hauling should go
into affect.
Well, here's my 2 cents worth---Don't Complicate matters! Traffic
flow at the above mentioned intersection would be a mess if we have
to deal with a traffic circle. As it is now, traffic flows through
easily and clearly. Having dealt with traffic circles, they are a
nuisance at best and a pain at worst. Leave it be.
As for mandatory curbside garbage collection---yeah, right. Parts of
this island can't get newspapers delivered to our driveways, or daily
package delivery, much less garbage pickup. Instead of saving a buck
now by building a smaller collection station, plan for the future and
build a good-sized one to meet our needs now and down the road. And
charging for recycling??? Who's idea is THAT? All that would do is
take away part of the incentive of recycling by SAVING money.
OK, I feel better now that I got that off my mind! Enjoy your summer.
John Boyd
Friday Harbor
Letter about ADUs
Dear County Commissioners,
posted 07/21/06
I am very troubled by your actions regarding ADUs. You are failing to follow the will of the citizens advisory vote on this issue, as well as our past Commissioners’ direction on this issue. You also continue to ignore the advice and directives of our county attorney, Randy Gaylord, on this issue. To ignore these clear and basic facts make it clear that you are following your own wishes and desires. Shame on you. Please: 1.) Take the proper time to make decisions, 2.) Please work for the will of the people, and 3.) Please take advice from our County attorney. If you continue following your personal wishes and agendas, then you will fail in following the County Mission statement and your sworn commitment to our community. Please consider putting the community above your personal wishes.
Frank M. Penwell
Dear Editor,
posted 07/07/06
Congratulations to Lee Wick, the 2006 Mayor of Roche Harbor. I noticed that most of the pictures appeared to present his backside! Oh well, his friends in Oregon occasionally wondered which was the best side anyway. The pictures on your web site depict a gala affair. Congratulations to Roche Harbor and Lee Wick as the selected mayor for 2006.
Don and Zola Dunbar,
Portland, Ore
Dear Editor,
posted 07/07/07
I personaly thought that Islander's Bank put full 100% effort into their float and should have won something! I mean, it must be hard to make a 10-14 ft giant CAKE! With those beautiful blue and silver ballons on it! I just thought it was wonderful! Thanks, and GOOD JOB ISLANDERS BANK!
Sierra Dawson
Dear Editor,
posted 06/10/2006
The article Bambi Happens by The Old Squid which appeared in the June 8th paper was one of the most refreshingly bright things I have read in years.
Every "i" was dotted, every "t" was crossed grammatically. This writer knows how to use English prose the way that Mark Twain did and with a Robin Williams sense of humor.
Great job!
James Siggens
Dear Editor,
posted 06/09/2006
Well, Old Squid, when you see a doe beside the road at this time of the year, 40 mph is too fast to go by it. It's too fast ANY time of the year, but especially now, when there's likely to be a fawn on the opposite side of the road. If the fawn doesn't jump out at you, probably the doe will.
Marshall Sanborn
PS An R90S is a very fast bike for this island. I had an R90 and sold it. Couldn't often get it above third gear.
Dear Editor,
posted 06/06/2006
I want to personally recognize the work that Rich Warin puts into baseball. Watching him routing on the upcoming little leaguers, supporting his players academically, and running a strong team year after year has been a lesson to me in patience, perseverance, and devotion. I appreciate what Rich has done for the sport, the school, and most importantly our students. Thanks and congratulations…you deserve it!
Marc Vermeire
Too much for one weekend
Dear Editor,
posted 06/06/2006
This last weekend saw a very busy schedule for many islanders. So
many events to chose from, ranging from the Saturday market, to
Garden tours, artist tours, marathons, celebrity golf fundraiser,
spaghetti feeds. I think it's great our community has lots of events
to chose from. But who was in charge of planning all of this?
I
think it was a disservice to many groups to not do a better job
coordinating the events. I know people who had to chose which events
to go to at the expense of other events. Are we so cramped for time
that this was the only slot for these events.
In talking to a long-
time resident I was told that there used to be a loosely affiliated
planning board that would go through the calendar to help space
events more evenly throughout the year.
It's unfortunate we have to make choices to pass on events we'd like
to support. There are some events that are perennial events, and
have been for years.
I've only been here 10 years, but I know the
Celebrity Golf Tournament is the first weekend in June. Fourth of
July is a foregone conclusion on a parade, fireworks, etc. Mid-
August you ask? Why that's the county fair. Most Saturdays in
spring summer are the Saturday market. CATS in December, another no-
brainer. Then add summer theatre, concerts, and so forth. You get
my drift. There has to be more than just a couple of weekends
available for events.
Maybe someone, somewhere, somehow can have a big calendar available
to see who is hosting what and when, then they can pick another
weekend that is open. News sources such as sanjuanislander.com have
a schedule of events on their website to help you see the busy
weekends. Help us support YOUR events by working out a better
schedule. We WANT to SUPPORT YOU! Thanks and have a great summer.
John Boyd
Friday Harbor
Dear Editor,
posted 04/20/2006
I fully agree with your editorial. In addition, with part-time members, San Juan County will lose its ability to be heard in Olympia. The County Commission was the most criticized office in the County, which led to the Charter. It doesn't make sense to have them be part-time, where they will have less ability to fulfill their responsibilities and represent their constituents.
Tom Cowan
Dear Editor,
posted 04/20/2006
Your editorial is nonsense. Six is greater than three thus increasing the size of the board and part time will give the opportunity to more people to serve. Also a diminution of compensation will lessen the tendency for people who want a full time job, but don't have the public wellfare at heart, to run for office.
A six person board will give wider representation and part time at a low compensation will attract better candidates.
Les Gunther
Dear Editor,
posted 04/20/2006
I would have agreed with you were the charter drafted other than the way it has been. But as the charter is written, making the positions full-time and paying the commissioners more would not be an efficient use of the commissioners' time. Their powers and functions, as well as their access to information (including from the county adminitrator) have been greatly curtailed.
There is much in the charter I agree with, but I think that full-time commissioners would end up frustrated by filling their time in with trying to do more than the charter allows them to do.
With this particular charter, I think that we might as well save the commissioners' time and the taxpayers' money by leaving the job as half-time. I don't think that the county's taxpayers will want to see commissioner salaries doubled so that people can be paid full time for a half-time job.
I do recognize that this is an unfortunate political consequence of this charter, and agree with your concerns.
Bill Appel
Dear Editor,
posted 4/20/2006
Today's (April 18) County Council proceedings regarding Pam Nichols' rejection as the County Administrator Pro-Tem's nominee to fill the Citizens Salary Commission's designated position for an expert in personnel management was, at once, inspiring and stupefyingly unfair. Speaker after speaker protested Nichols' inexplicable rejection with arguments based on facts. Pam Nichols is impeccably well-credentialed, she has decades of experience in the field, she is compassionate, she makes decisions without bias or prejudice, she is independent, and, collectively, the sum of her qualifications add up to a singularly fine nominee. The quality of the arguments made me proud to be a citizen of San Juan County.
The response from the Council was amazing. One said essentially nothing to the points raised and the other two unapologetically revealed their preference for a second person, Randy Cornelius, (who was selected) through comparisons of the two people - comparisons that the process itself should have prevented while the Nichols nomination was under review. Nichols was the nominee, no one else, yet the Council admitted that the second nominee requested from the County Administrator was added to the mix before rejecting Nichols. Why have nominees at all if the council can wait for a preferred candidate and reject the designated nominee without explanation - a nominee they themselves agreed was an outstanding candidate?
The person selected should not have been in consideration at all while Nichols was being evaluated, yet this is exactly what the Council did. This is what two members of the Council say they did. That the person selected is, in my opinion, far less qualified worries me less than the Council's blatant disregard of the process the voters put in place with their affirmative vote on the new charter. If this is how the Council plans to implement the charter, we are all in trouble, and they should be ashamed.
I am left with the conclusion that Pam Nichols was rejected for one "reason" - that she is married to a former freeholder. One Council member, Kevin Ranker, expressed concern in an earlier interview about bias, the inference being that Nichols would be biased but that Randy Cornelius would not be. Mr. Cornelius, OPALCO General Manager will now be part of the commission who will set the salary of Council member Bob Myhr who is also a member of the OPALCO board of directors. Mr. Myhr abstained from voting on the Cornelius appointment after praising Mr. Cornelius. Mr. Myhr is Mr. Cornelius' boss. He knows that the appointee he endorsed will help to determine his salary.
This situation is remarkable, all the more so because the Council seems oblivious to its own capriciousness and unprofessional behavior on the matter of Pam Nichols' nomination. Her rejection is an insult to all of us.
Janice Peterson
San Juan Island
Dear Editor,
posted 4/17/2006
San Juan County is fortunate in having civic-minded volunteers for positions in the Salary Commission. We are especially fortunate when, from such a small population, we can get a volunteer who meets all the criteria for the slot for Personnel Management with county level as well as international corporate experience. We are fortunate in our County Administrator Pro Tem for recognizing this expertise and recommending Pam Nichols for the Personnel Management slot on the Salary Commission. We are NOT fortunate in the Council decision to ignore an extraordinarily qualified person meeting all the criteria for one who does not.
That she is a woman should not matter. That she is not affiliated with members of the Council should not matter. That her husband was civic-minded and served as a Freeholder should not matter - pro or con. The Council owes it to the voters to choose the BEST qualified candidate for the slot - or be shamed for pettiness, self-interest, and/or antediluvian sexist values.
Nancy Lind
Dear Editor,
posted 4/10/2006
Pam Nichols was recently rejected by the County Council from serving on the Salary Commission. She was the most qualified of the applicants, (as evidenced by being selected by the County Administrator Pro Tem) having had a career in personnel that culminated in a position as VP. Human Resources. Although no reason was given for her rejection by the County Council, one presumes it was because her husband, Charlie Bodenstab, was a freeholder and has been a strong proponent of holding the Council to the provisions of the new Charter government.
Since the County Council did not give Pam Nichols the courtesy of a letter of rejection, I've provided on behalf of the County Council below:
One could envision Pam receiving the following rejection letter:
Dear Mrs. Charlie Bodenstab:
We are sorry to inform you that we have vetoed your appointment to the salary committee. As Charlie Bodenstab's spouse, I am sure you could have brought to the committee much of his wit, wisdom and intelligence. Sadly, those are just the qualities of which we are over-supplied at the moment. Mrs. Bodenstab (or if we may be so bold, "Mrs. Charlie"), we have no wish to cause you pain. It is merely that we would not want you to bother your pretty little head with all of these pesky details like how much we should be paid. Some claim that we do not recognize you as a person in your own right! Mrs. Charlie, we hope you don't believe that, because you obviously, as Charlie's wife, have a very clear identity in our minds. I am sure you have your own wit, wisdom and intelligence to offer, and believe us, we think the committee would have been well-served by your presence, as we don't think it yet has any blondes on it. (By the way, did you hear the one about the blonde who... oh, never mind, we'll tell it to you the next time you appear before us.) Alas, we think you are better served by serving your man, as the Good Lord intended.
Regretfully yours,
The County Council
Sondra Bayley
Dear Editor,
posted 4/10/2006
RE:Nominee Pamela Nichols.
If any of you County Council Members had half the balls and an iota of the competence, objectiveness, and open mindedness of Pamela Nichols you would have approved her for appointment to the Personnel Management slot on the Citizens' Salary Commission. Pamela Nichols has always been her OWN person. Shame, shame.
Jude Hennen
Dear Editor,
posted 3/27/2006
It does not surprise me that Tyler won over the adults in the diorama contest. I've known Tyler since he moved to the island. I remember riding the feryy with his mother Christine and baby sister Sierra and Tyler when he was about three and he drew car pictures for me that I still have. They were incredible! Keep it up Tyler!
Carolyn Marshall
Dear Editor,
posted 3/27/2006
I share the heartache Andi and her family are currently enduring. I lost my sister when we were both 10 years old, after a two year disease. That was 50 years ago this month, but hearing this story has brought it all painfully back.
My heart is with you.
David Garfield
Dear Editor,
posted 3/20/2006
I wish to thank the community for the support they have given my grandson, Forrest Emery, in his studies at LAFS. I have always been impressed every time I visit. What a caring community Friday Harbor is. It has been a great place for my children and grandchildren to live. I always look forward to spending time on this great island!
George Emery
Loveland, Colorado
Dear Editor,
posted 3/18/2006
Way to go Chad! Congraulations on being chosen League MVP and being named to the All-State Team.
These are big honors and you are so deserving of them! Good job! You have always been our MVP!
We love you.
Mom, John, Jamey & Fanny
Dear Editor,
posted 3/18/2006
I remember as a Senior a young, shy, yet motivated freshman red head that had little to say off the court but on the court you couldn't keep him quiet, on the court was his home. the only place where he knew himself. I could see then what everyone see's now, the enldless potential he possessed; man could he ball. I remember late nights at Sunken and Cahail Park where Chad would be honing his game, often alone, putting in those hours to get his game to the level it is today.
I'm so proud to hear that my friend and 'little' buddy has achieved such a great accomplishment, I'm proud that he too knew what I saw coming, and he kept at it, with the encouragement and inspiration of such a great coach in Rod Turnbull to give him the confidence to guide him and help him develop his skills and became such a strong all-around player and not just the scorer that we all know him to be.
I only wish I could've seen him play this season in person rather than depend on Matt and the sanjuanislander to follow him. Congratulations Chad and good luck in the All-State game and wherever your skills take you.
Danny Johnson
Dear Editor,
Forrest~ Keep it coming, #2 son! And remember what Woody Guthrie once said: Take it easy, but TAKE IT! I'm so proud of you.
SYFL
Margaret Bell
Dear Editor,
posted 3/14/2006
Run Forrest Run!
Way to go!
Mr. V
Dear Editor,
I am very proud of my nephew, Brady Chad Stoddard, and his accomplishments. He is a great kid. It is good to hear he has such great skills. I have been keeping up on his sports through the internet.
I am happy you have this site for family that is so far away.
I live in Nenana Alaska. It's a little town near Fairbanks, Alaska. It is good to be able to read about Brady and his team.
I love you kid. Keep up the excellent job and have fun.
Auntie Eleanor Cole
Nenana, Alaska
Response to 2002 speech by Ralph Hahn
Dear Editor,
I've just read the commencement address By Ralph Hahn for the Friday Harbor High School Class of 2002.
Ralph was a teacher and coach of mine in the 1970s, and of my older brother. I can't think of another teacher, coach, educator that has been more insirational to me in my life than Ralph Hahn. I learned alot from him during both the long, hard sessions in the pool, and during classroom lectures interesting enough to keep me awake. But his influence on my life went far beyond those days, and still influences my life now.
When I'm stuck for an answer to a difficult question, in a bind for what to do, I often ask myself "What would my teachers, coaches suggest to do?" And Hahn is about the first to come to mind.
We all come to the end of our own era, our careers in whatever we decide to do with ourselves. We call it retirement. Teaching, coaching, guidance, whatever it is that we call whatever it was that he did came to an end a few years ago, but I hope he still has some impact on the youth of his community.
Gary Seilheimer
Dear Editor,
I read recently about the proposed airport expansion and was totally dumbfounded. This is the same island that the Town of Friday Harbor resides on? The Town that has a 52-page sign ordinance. Where tourists wander around asking where places are because they can't read the signage? Where they ripped up the main street and blasted rock during the tourist season? Where the Historical Review Board doesn't want outside stairs on buildings, because the old original buildings made out of recycled packing crates didn't have any? Where you have to have a building permit to put up planter boxes or a residential flag pole (heaven forbid we have any color)?
So now our other officials(the Port officials) want to expand the airport so that they can bring in more people faster? This just seems schizophrenic to me. One hand wants us to stay in the 1890s and the other one wants to propel us into madness.
Marilyn Gresseth
Dear Editor,
posted 2/22/2006
Pete, I am so proud of you! Way to go!
Meghan Rogers
Dear Editor,
posted 2/22/2006
Congratulations, Pete!
You are an example both on and off the mat and field. Way to go. We're proud of you.
Jim Cole
Dear Editor,
posted 2/22/2006
To the Friday Harbor Wrestling team....WOW what a Season... I just had to take the time and let you ALL know how much I appreciate you. Thanks for the support and patience while I went forward and received my EMT certification...It wasn't always easy balancing home,work,studying,and wrestling...and I love you all for the words of encouragment and the support.YOU GUYS ARE THE BEST, I am so lucky to have such a great group of people in my life...I am PROUD of all of you...
Love,
Deanna Banry
FH Wrestling Assistant Coach
Dear Editor,
posted 2/20/2006
CONGRATULATIONS PETE!
It has been a great season I am
very proud of you!
I love you.
LeAnne GrosJacques (mom)
Dear Editor,
posted 2/18/2006
Regarding Neighborhood Electric Vehicles, I do not own one, nor do I anticipate buying one. Ican see the benefits they would
bring to the island if the speed limit on our roads were lowered to 35 m.p.h. from the current 45 m.p.h.
At the lower speed of 35 m.p.h. tourists, which our economy depends on, could feel free to drive slower and have time to see the
beauty, nature, and peacefulness of living here.
It is not a private island. It is for all to enjoy.
i welcome the mopeds, bikes, and hikers. They and NEVs do not add any pollution.
Let us embrace their rights and be willing to slow down and allow ourselves an added l0 minutes or so, to get to our destination. The lower speed limit all over the island should be enforced to the fullest. The current 45 m.p.h. certainly is not enforced now!!!
What happened to island time.
Doris Estabrooks
To Mr. Hayes and Mr. Sadler:
Comments detracting Texas aside, I think many of us would love to own an all electric car if they ever proved feasible to use on San Juan Island. I'd love to see them be able to get through Beaverton Valley, or make it up Cady Mountain or Mt. Dallas at rated speed.
But until that time, gas-using vehicles will be the main transportation mode for the vast majority of us.
I've always felt (and I'm sure I'll get flack for this but hey, it's just my opinion) that instead of changing speed limits, why can't we make the major roadways (Beaverton, Cattle Point, and the conglomerate between Douglas & West Side Road) more like Roche Harbor Road? Lot safer for everyone, allows greater traffic flow, increased safety distance between cars and slower traffic like pedestrians, bikes, tractors, etc. More expensive, without a doubt, but it allows for the vehicles we have using the road now, PLUS it allows for the future too.
Just a thought. When the electric car comes out that can tackle a mountain (or very large hill anyway) with full load of 4 people and groceries while maintaining speed, let me know and I'll buy one!
John Boyd
Dear Editor,
posted 2/9/2006
Today I was behind one of these golf cart like vehicles as it was driving illegally on San Juan Valley road where the speed limit is clearly posted as 45 MPH. It was extremely aggravating to be behind this slow moving vehicle when there was no safe or legal place to pass it.
It certainly was endangering people as cars came up behind me on blind curves and were surprised at how slow I was going because I was forced to be behind this golf cart type vehicle. I thought it was not legal to drive these on roads with posted 45 mph limits so why was it out there and causing problems for people?
Mark
Dear Editor,
posted 2/9/2006
I wish I was clearer in my presentation. We do not want to lower the existing speed limit. What we are proposeing is to create a split speed zone with a limit of 35 just for NEVs only. Not cars or trucks just EV class vehicles.
A mandatory speed limit of 35 for EVs ONLY. The county can create a split speed zone for a separate class vehicle.
A study will be conducted by John Van Lund the county road engineer, as to its viability. Then we can go to public hearings where all the people who want to go fast and stand up for the oil lobby can be heard.
It is crazy talk to say that its OK for three- wheeled gas eggs that leave a trail of blue smoke and do 20 (mph) along with mopeds are legal. Yet a state of the art emission-free car that does 35 (mph) is illegal, who's running this island -
Texas?
Aaron Hayes
Dear Editor,
posted 2/9/2006
I would be more in sympathy with your prejudices about electric vehicles if your editorial had some facts straight. But it doesn't.
First, to the best of my knowledge, no one connected with the development of electric vehicles on the island is suggesting lowering speed limits for other vehicles.
Your newsletter apparently started that rumor and your newsletter is perpetuating it even though you have been told that the statement is not accurate.
Nor would lowering the speed limit have the consequences you suggest. The difference between traveling at 35 mph and 45 mph between Roche Harbor and Friday Harbor is about three minutes, assuming you don't have to slow down for anything else.
Nor is it true that, "They all say the vehicles can only be legally used on roads with speed limits of 35 mph or less. No ifs, ands or buts."
State traffic law deliberately allow county officials great discretion setting speed zones on county roads. It's a hangover from the days of an agrarian economy when county roads had to accommodate slow-moving farm, equipment as they still do. Whether electric cars can travel all county roads depends entirely on how the county's legal counsel, Prosecuting Attorney Randall Gaylord, and the members of the County Council interpret that discretion. Discussing that discretion was the purpose of my appearance before the County Council on Monday.
In neighboring Skagit County on the mainland, farm equipment regularly travels country roads in speed zones as high as 50 mph. The county traffic department posts signs reading "Share the road" with the picture of a tractor on it.
In our own county, the roads are regularly traveled by mopeds, electric bicycles, conventional bicycles, construction equipment like back hoes going from job to job, and county road maintenance vehicles like the brush hogs all traveling at less than the posted speed limits.
By law all these slow vehicles are entitled to the same space on the road as the editor's car. It doesn't matter whether you think this is right or wrong, safe or unsafe. It is presently the law -- read your state drivers' manual.
Those of us planning to acquire electric vehicles ask only to be treated in similar fashion.
Yes, it's true when a large vehicle hits a smaller vehicle the consequences are often injury, even death. In America, driving on the road is the single most dangerous thing most of us do every day of our lives.
But government safely requirements only reduce the risk. They don't eliminate it. The woman who was killed in a traffic accident on the island this winter was driving a Volkswagen that met all the government safety requirements and she still died when she pulled out from a stop sign and ran head on into a dump truck. She likely would have died if she had been in an SUV. Head on collisions are generally not survivable in ordinary cars -- government approved or not.
Before moving onto the island three years ago, I was a licensed driving instructor in Oregon. I taught young people and adults to drive -- safely and defensively.
Most young people learn to drive by watching their parents. From watching a youngster drive, I can usually tell in 10 minutes how well their parents drive. It's often not pretty and I have to teach the student new habits. We have a saying in drive school. "Honor your father and mother. Just don't drive like them. "
The person who wrote your editorial exhibits all the hallmarks of an impatient, frustrated, aggressive driver with little respect for other vehicles on the road.
That attitude is just as great a cause of traffic collisions, if not greater, that slow moving vehicles.
Electric vehicles are here to stay. SUVs are probably not. As I drove my GEM demonstrator around Friday Harbor, I found the overwhelming curiosity and interest in their economics overwhelming.
They are no longer glorified golf cars and as the market for them expands they will improve and go faster. But it's that old chicken and the egg deal. Without markets, the vehicles will never be produced in volumes large enough to become cheaper and better.
Our island is a good market and testing ground for these utilitarian vehicles, but they have to be able to go where bicycles, electric-assisted bikes, back hoes, mopeds and cars and trucks go. Otherwise you can't afford to make a commitment to one and the necessary markets will not develop.
Russell Sadler
Dear Editor,
posted 2/9/2006
Your editorial about not lowering county speed limits is spot on, but overlooks one important point. Modern cars are designed to run most efficiently at speeds generally between 45 and 65 mph, depending on the vehicle and the configuration. A 35 mph speed limit would make vehicles run less efficiently and use more gas than our present 45 mph speed limit. Given the far greater number of "normal" cars than mini-cars, the result of lowering the speed limits would be to increase substantially the amount of gas used by island residents, which would increase the cost of driving for residents (especially lower income and working residents who must drive to work daily), and would also increase the amount of pollution, including greenhouse gases.
Far from being environmentally intelligent, the lowering of county speed limits to accommodate these vehicles would be an overall detriment to our environment, forcing islanders to use more gas and produce more pollution.
Proponents of a reduced speed limit merely show that they are selfishly centered on their personal desires at the expense not only of the community at large but of the environment.
Christopher Hodgkin
Dear Editor,
posted 2/8/2006
I wanted to clarify to your readers what I have learned regarding this matter. While some persons have presented information to the County Council regarding Electric Cars, the Board has taken no action. I researched this further and here is what I know…
Electric cars are not allowed on county roads with a speed limit in excess of 35 miles per hour and may not be prohibited on county roads with a speed limit of less than 25 miles per hour.
Any regulation of the county council must be consistent with the state code, which in this case, restricts the use of electric cars to "highways of the state" with a speed limit of 35 mph or less. A "highway of the state" includes state highways and county roads.
Put simply, even if the County Council wanted to consider this issue, we do not have the authority. This is a State matter.
Kevin Ranker
County Councilmember District 1
Dear Editor,
posted 1/30/2006
Having worked at the ferry terminal and seeing how traffic flows (or
sometimes doesn't flow), the solution is two-fold and could be
implemented NOW with minimal expenditure.
1. During unload, do not allow traffic to use the road next the
ferry landing (Front Street), and force all foot passengers up the
street out of the way of traffic. Cost: a couple of orange barriers
to erect during the load/unload process.
2. During loading, use both load lanes on the ferry. I don't
believe we could actually send two rows of cars simultaneously from
the lot due to constrictions at the bottom of the hill, but cars from
one lane could choose one lane or the other once on the ramp.
Cost: some paint to make it more obvious to use both lanes of the
loading ramp.
No extra costs needed. This allows faster loading/unloading, reduces
the congestion on Front Street, puts foot passengers out of the
traffic pattern as well. The inconvenience factor to local
businesses and local traffic would be minimal, and people would get
used to just avoiding the area until after the loading was complete.
John Boyd
Friday Harbor
Dear Editor,
posted 1/28/2006
I strongly dissagree with making foot passengers wait for vehicles - I think this town needs to PROMOTE walking, not PUNISH it. Why not remove the cones and orange barrier plastic fencing that prevents access to the BRAND NEW WALKWAY along the side of the new dock? Why was that walkway built if we're not going to use it? There's no law that says people walking off can't filter past people waiting to walk on, is there? That would put the walk offs right on the sidewalk by the ice cream place and around Memorial Park (once it's finished and the fence removed). This is a right-now solution that would work until the water-side boardwalk other people have mentioned is installed.
And to speed up loading, there's already a yellow stripe painted right down the middle of the new dock and transfer span. Isn't that there to separate 2 lanes of cars as they load, just like we load in Anacortes? Why don't we load 2 lanes of cars too?
Tim Dustrude
Dear Editor,
posted 1/27/2006
The County definitely should work to implement former professor Bentley's recommendation, even if it takes a year (or more). The results will be worth almost any effort to implement the method.
John Hargrove
Dear Editor,
posted 1/26/2006
Lowering the speed limit to 35mph to allow NEVs sounds nice until you're behind one at 20-25mph crossing the island. These Vehicles are designed for in town use. Friday Harbor is a Neighborhood, San Juan Island isn't.
Brian Hoyer
Dear Editor,
posted 1/26/2006
If the speed limits are dropped on county roads to 35 mph as requested by the electric cars owners what happens to the response time for the firemen and EMTS that are required to not exceed the max limits even when responding to an aide call?
These should be restricted to Friday Harbor town limits...if at all.
Herb Cunniff
Regarding the "Lower speed limits to accomodate low-speed vehicles suggested": YOU HAVE GOT TO BE KIDDING!!! Perhaps we could lower it to 5 mph to accomodate the mopeds and side cars too.
Carole Conran
Dear Editor,
posted 1/25/2006
I hope the general population gets to have its say about lowering the speed limit to accomodate these "toy" cars. If people choose to own them, they must realize the speed capabilities and I for one do not wish to see 35 mph just so that they can clog up our county roads along with the already slow moving mopeds and three-wheel vehicles that Susie rents out.
Patricia Hobbel
Dear Editor,
posted 1/18/2006
This is not really hard. Four stoplights: One at the park, two at Herbs, one at drugstore, and one at the Y. All people stay on ferry until all autos are off the ferry. Nobody moves until autos are up the street, then turn lights off. It will work if cops maintain and see it through more then a day.
Roger Sandwith
Dear Editor,
posted 1/18/2006
WSF should build a pedestrian walkway from the current passenger waiting area seaward of front street to connect to the circle park at the end of Spring Street. The Eldons are clearly correct.
This idea is not new: an artist's rendition of the concept was part of the failed effort in the 1980s and early 1990s to buy the then-undeveloped lot where the pub now sits at the end of Spring Street. A pedestrian walkway seaward of the street would provide access to the water and get people out of the way of cars.
Beth Helstien
Dear Editor,
posted 1/18/2006
If Sheriff Cumming's statement about solving 75% of the problem by separating the pedestrian and vehicle traffic is accurate, then the solution is easy.
For years, WSF and the Town have tried to improve the turn around time by a myriad of goofball schemes. None has worked.
The simple solution is to simply build a pedestrian boardwalk from the existing waiting platform seaward of the existing restaurant structure to interface with the revised turnaround. The pedestrians and vehicle traffic are automatically separated as the walk offs are directed to Spring Street sidewalks without venturing out into the streets.
This solution preserves the aesthetics of the waterfront, is consistent with the small town atmosphere, maintains all of the view corridors,and is a cost conscious alternative that will work.
An overhead walkway is just unkthinkable. Just look at all of the WSF overhead terminal structures, and you can imagine how the Town's character and aesthetics would be seriously affected. Left to their own devices, WSF won't be considering anything that would benefit the Island, so as concerned residents, it is necessary to demand that WSF respond to the needs and desires of the Town.
A well planned seaward boardwalk with kiosks, benches, and potted landscaping will provide a place for walk ons to wait for their boat and tourists to enjoy the views of the harbor. It is a solution where everyone wins.
Eldon and Barb Bryant
Dear Editor,
posted 1/17/2006
I am so very proud of Albert and his arteculate precision art reprodction of marine life to educate the public.
Ethel Shepard
Dear Editor,
posted 1/17/2006
Seems logical...let's start a program to prevent the likes of last week's near miss and only use it during the busy times...like last week?
Marian Ford Weber
Dear Editor,
posted 1/17/2006
As a pilot who flies into Friday Harbor weekly, I was interested in reading the Islander article about Pat Mayo's success in preventing a collision on the Friday Harbor Airport runway last Tuesday.
When Mr. Mayo suggested to the Port Commissioners that they consider a contract control tower, Commissioner Greg Hertel asked if a control tower "could be used during only the busiest months of the year." This obviously wouldn't have prevented the near accident last week.
If we are to have a contract tower it must be in place all year. An argument can be made that during times when traffic is light, people are less vigilant--and such would have appeared to be the case. How about an all-year tower?
Dr. Ray Hendrickson
Dear Editor,
posted 1/17/2006
Did the near miss you are reporting happen during a "busiest month of the year"?
Marshall Sanborn
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