Commissioner Kelly Emerson  - I.C. Courthouse  1 NE 7th Street - P.O. Box 5000

Coupeville, WA  98239  Ph. (360) 679-7354  e-mail:  k.emerson@co.island.wa.us  

Join Our Mailing List!

Commissioner's Meetings - First 3 Mondays at 10am

Fourth Monday at 2pm

Commissioner's Workshops - 1st & 3rd Wednesday at 9am

2nd Wednesday at 10am   

Freeland Sub Area Plan   

Commissioner Price-Johnson explained at a Council of Governments meeting that passing the Freeland Sub Area Plan was a big step in the direction of getting the new 40 million dollar sewer plant on way.  And that's exactly why I voted against it.

At the Public Hearing for the plan, there was a room full of concerned citizens.  They seemed to believe this passing would make their efforts to stop a proposed LID (Local Improvement District) that would fund the sewer plant, more difficult.  They called on us County Commissioners to direct the Freeland Water and Sewer District (FWSD) Commissioners, to postpone the implementation of the LID.  They asked that we further direct them to investigate expanding the two current sewer plants as a viable option. 

My counterparts remained vigilant that we had no authority over the FWSD and that passing the plan was simply a formality.  I did not concur.   

In my research, I also came across some minor changes requested by the Planning Commission in their meeting minutes.  When I checked for those changes in the plan, what I found was a rather expanded version that, in my opinion, took on an entirely new meaning. No one agreed that this called for further scrutiny.  

The FSP passed 2-1.    

Oak Harbor Urban Growth Area  

I attended the Planning Commission Meeting last November where they were deciding whether or not to accept the Revised Oak Harbor Urban Growth Area.  Being at that meeting aided in my decision to go against my counterparts on this issue.    

The OHUGA was revised by the Planning Department earlier that year because Commissioners Dean, Homola and Price-Johnson rejected the plan by the Citizen's Committee.  It had sat idle for some time because lengthy SEPA appeals from Angie Homola and friends had stopped the progress.   

At the meeting in November, an advocate of the revised plan gave a powerpoint presentation about how much available land there was for development in Oak Harbor.  While I was impressed with her research, I could not agree with her logic.  It appeared she would have nothing to do with expansion until all available occupancy was filled.

I personally don't feel there are many that move to a rural county such as ours to reside in multi-family dwellings.  There are exceptions of course, but I believe those who seek the rural beauty while desiring the urban infrastructure want and deserve, low-density development.  

Frankly, I believe that high-density development that she would have for Oak Harbor, is much more destructive to the Environment.  It takes away all opportunity for Aquifer recharge and compounds the pollutants.   

One last note, I'm pretty sure that all those against the expansion live in either low-density or rural development.  I wonder why they don't desire mulit-family units.    

The County Budget   

I was prepared at the last budget discussion to begin talking about my goals, I certainly wasn't going to let it slip off for a later date.  So when the topic came around again on Wednesday, I said, "I have my list!"

• Stop pulling from the Reserve Fund. 
• Suspend the 1% Property Tax Increase.
• Consider sunsetting some Sales Taxes.
• Reduce the Conservation Futures Tax to provide for only maintaining land.
• Stop chasing after grants.  ("There's no Free Lunch")
• Establish a baseline for Performance Audits. 

Labor Policy 

• consideration of an appropriate local hiring market.
• limited by the growth in County revenues. 

Public Disclosure   

Well I am certainly a supporter of this one, I must say, the left is on a frivolous rampage.  Their party leaders are in such a fervor that they have begun requesting documents for anything I have done or am doing.

I wonder why they are so upset, they still hold the majority. 

The Island County Chapter of Citizens Alliance for Property Rights is having its first meeting this Tuesday in Oak Harbor.   

Mi Pueblo Restaurant   916 SE Bayshore Dr., Oak Harbor   6:00pm  Tuesday, April 19th

Apparently the cost of the room will be offset by the food order because they are asking that you come a little hungry.  They are also asking that you rsvp to iclandrights@yahoo.com.     

I hope to see you there, ISLAND COUNTY NEEDS THIS GROUP! 

"Maybe our final major road project" is what I thought I heard Public Works Director Bill Oakes say about the upcoming project on Frostad Road.  It was brought to our attention last week that we can save a substantial amount on the contract if we close, to thru traffic, the portion from Highway 20 to Dike Road for the duration of the construction.

It would, of course be open to the residents in that stretch for entering and exiting.