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NAS Whidbey |
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I contacted the Whidbey Island Task Force, about the time I took office to speak with them about the possibility of getting the P-8A squadrons. At that time I was told that we were third on the list and provided there was adequate funding, we would be receiving some squadrons. Today Rep. Larson gave a statement confirming that information.
A junket to D.C. is scheduled for March. As the Commissioner of the district where the base resides, I hope to be able to take part in that effort to secure both future P-8A squadrons and the replacement platforms for the EP-3 squadrons.
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Island Transit
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Many of you are aware that Island Transit is working feverishly to get themselves an upgraded facility. Well, a standing room only crowd at the last Transit Board meeting might have had an impact, the outcome was, Martha Rose herself pulling the idea of a loan off the table.
There were many good alternatives brought up for discussion. They ranged from feasible purchases of properties, to teaming up with the Oak Harbor Schools facility for maintenance ability.
Martha seems intent on gaining a grant for the project, which would mean you have to build for 20 years out. That means a monstrous facility on the taxpayer dime. I'm not sure we can afford that as a country right now but we'll see what she comes up with.
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Government Restructuring
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Well, I stood firmly against it but this one may be unavoidable. I don't believe that developing a new level of bureaucracy is going to be what we need to get us out of this hole, (that is my take on what this restructuring will mean). Personally, I see this as unnecessary growth that could easily lead to unintended consequences that could exacerbate our crisis.
Many staff and other elected officials have expressed their dissatisfaction with the decision. Some, it seems feel as I do that we should focus on what can be fixed and not throw money at unknowns. We must have stability.
Another concern of mine is the obvious effect on morale. They claim this venture would be budget neutral, but who and how many must go to make financial way for this new Administrators position.
Finally, this restructuring seems to just make more time for Commissioners who already have difficulty containing their interest to County level issues. As I see it, we are in near distress. Our main focus should be local, not leaping on board with State, Federal and global policies.
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Leque Island
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So the headlines read, "Emerson threatens to sue Snohomish County." The truth is, if the groundwater of Northeast Camano gets contaminated because Snoco fails to uphold their responsibility, that might be what happens.
A decision for legal action would take a majority of a board to move but someone has to start the process of protecting the people's right to water. I have asked for the Board to allow several groups to come and present their side of this issue and that will be happening this week. If you would like to be part, it will be Wednesday the 16th at 3:30 in Coupeville. We may be able to video-conference it to Camano as well but if we have a power point presentation, you wont be able to see that at the annex.
A federal Geological study has suggested that portion of Camano gets its aquifer recharge from the mainland, which would be lost entirely if Leque is flooded with saltwater to provide a wetland mitigation bank. If the County were forced to truck in, or worse yet pipe in water, the cost would be astronomical.
I love Salmon. But Mother Nature closed off much of that avenue to them more than a century ago. Creating habitat is not the intention of state law especially if there is potential harm for human habitants.
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Commissioner Retreat
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Well, I participated in their event. And as much as I feel the facilitator Paul D. is exceptional, I felt the concept was a waste of time and premature. It seems the idea is to tire the minority with excessive talk until they give in just to get done with it.
I believe there are situations where these type of events are beneficial but this wasn't one. I apologize for wasting the taxpayers time, money and I will make every effort to see that it doesn't happen again.
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Duty Blocked
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| I set out on my first investigative detail as County Commissioner and was coldly shut down by my counterparts. My concern of overzealous enforcement led me to request quite a number of public documents that the other two Commissioners saw as being too heavy a load on the planning department. So, I am developing a case by case inventory and looking into the issue that way. |
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"Can you hear me now?"
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It only took 5 or 6 weeks to finally get microphones that pick up the sound for the workshop settings. Thank You Elaine!! We'll have to see but we think this will help out with the video conferencing to Camano as well. The other thing we will need to check is if it is helping out with the audio on the website.
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