District 3 County Commissioner

Kelly Emerson 

1 NE 7th Street

P.O. Box 5000

Coupeville, WA  98239

Ph. (360) 679-7354 

e-mail:   k.emerson@co.island.wa.us 

Greetings!  

Things are springing up all over and what a welcome sight it is -- the budding trees, the blooming flowers.  Luckily, the days are getting longer so there's time to take it all in.  

May you have all the time you need, to sow all those things you wish to reap.  I'll be trying, yet again, to sow some limited government visions.   

A National Effort 

March is the month when officials from across the country come together to collaborate, learn and lobby on Washington DC.  The National Association of County Officials (NACO) conference is a chance to link up with other like minded people and find out what's working (or not), for them in their areas. 

The weekend prior to the conference is set aside for the Commissioners' Legislative Steering Committee meetings.  This is where we break into our particular groups, (mine is Public Lands) and get updates from our lobbyists, federal agencies and Congressional staffers.   

We also discuss resolutions and platform changes at these meetings.  The idea is to establish priorities as a committee, then speak with your Congressional representatives about them in the days to come.

When the conference starts up on the Monday, there are many workshops available, lots of vendors to meet and much more opportunity for collaboration.   

When things begin to wind down in a day or two that's when you head up to "the Hill," Capitol Hill.  Now your duty is to lobby for those things approved in the committees, those special things from your district or just stop by and tell your reps how much the folks back home appreciate their efforts.  

It turned out the Pentagon was a little too busy this year to have time for us Commissioners.  No worries.  I still had the opportunity for significant lobbying efforts for our NASWI base.

After spending some time with Representative Rick Larson's military staffer, I was able to meet with Adam Smith's office (D-WA).  Rep. Smith is the ranking minority member of the House Armed Services Committee.  Before the switch in majority, he chaired the committee.  

Unfortunately, while I was in DC advocating for our Naval base, my counterparts back home were conjuring up turmoil.  Yes, for the second time now, a public meeting regarding the Accident Potential Zone (APZ) was scheduled without my knowledge or approval.

The APZ is almost entirely in my district, yet my counterparts completely disregard my requests.  Angie campaigned on making changes to it and Helen doesn't have the strength to stand against her.  

I have, three times now, made a motion to remove the APZ issue from the annual review docket, (things of significant change to our "comp plan" have to be on the docket in order to be looked at, APZ has been on the docket since Angie came to office). Not once did I get a second on my motion.    

 Whether there is a double standard between APZ in my district and Helen's district or not, (and there is not) my concern is shoring up the relationship with the biggest economic driver in our county, (83% of our economy is due to the base).   

Can you imagine what the economy would be like if the base closed, as some of Angie's supporters would like to see happen? 

It's no secret that I am a huge advocate for individual rights.  It is after all, the utmost duty of an elected official "to protect and maintain individual rights," (Article 1, section 1 WA State Constitution).  

It is my further belief that Property Rights are the most essential of our rights.  Without the ability to own property, what liberty do you have?  What quality of "life" do you have?

That's why I was so thrilled when a commissioner from a county in Oklahoma came forward with a resolution in his committee, (at the NACO event) that would have denied any implementation of UN Agenda 21 policies.

These International policies have been working their way into our National, State and Local codes for decades now.  It might not be so bad if they were based on real science and not damaging, but these policies are insidious to our individual rights.

Recently, a national political party unanimously passed a resolution exposing the policies of UN Agenda 21 and it's local implementation arm ICLEI (International Council of Local Environmental Initiatives).   

In September 2010, (before I was elected) the board, at that time, sent a letter requesting funding in order to be able to conduct a Greenhouse Gas emissions inventory.  This request for funding was based on a quote by the contractor ...ICLEI.     

Not having seen this letter, I foolishly did not object to this grant in my first quarter of office.  Your county is now a dues paying member to this International contractor.   

But it is my intent to right that wrong and I have begun seeking as of this month, our withdrawal from the membership.  (I could use your help!  Come to a meeting and speak up at public comment time.)

Kirby Wilbur delivering the keynote.

I am also working with Commissioners in various states to see an end to this nonsense.  Central planning and Agenda 21 were prominent topics at a recent Citizens Alliance for Property Rights (CAPR) banquet that I attended where I was once again thrilled to be able to deliver the news of the actions in "the other Washington." 

Shooting straight on the

Conservation Districts.    

Alright, I was, and frankly still am personally against the Conservation Districts local assessment.  But as an elected official, I didn't want to see them thrown into chaos.

I'm talking about a recent WA Supreme Court decision that determined our methodology for taking those funds was illegal.  Repealing that order would have been extremely disruptive.    

So I sought the middle ground.  While my counterparts were offering a resolution of full tax increase and full term, I offered a 1/2 term sunset.   

This, I said, would have kept the districts stable as we took the idea of continued funding to the ballot and let YOU, the voters decide.     

As usual, my motion got no second. 

It's Tulip Time!     

Well, as the geese begin to depart, the tulips start to bloom and the trek between islands remains exhilarating!    

Much of the life of a district 3 commissioner is spent on the road, so I take solace with these seasonal advantages.    

It is an honor to serve you.

Sincerely,
Kelly Emerson
Island County Commissioner - District 3