From The Courthouse

 

District 3 Island County Commissioner Kelly Emerson 

1 NE 7th Street  PO Box 5000  Coupeville, WA 98239   Ph. (360) 679-7354 

 e-mail:  k.emerson@co.island.wa.us 

 

Commissioner's Meetings - First 3 Mondays at 10am, Fourth Monday at 2pm

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

2nd Wednesday at 10am

 

 Click here for meeting agenda information.


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Greetings!

We have the opportunity once again to celebrate a most monumental time in world history, the Colonists of North America declaring Independence from the British Crown. There was no getting away from the profound effects this document would have as it brought on the wrath of the greatest military force of the time.

It was a small group of residents that took action against the tyranny of the Old Country Rule. Many of them had traversed harrowing seas for a chance to work their own land. All of them desired, as most of us do today, to be able to provide for their own families, to the best of their ability.

It was that Strife for Independence, that Respect for Personal Achievement, and that Selfless Sacrifice which brought forth the greatest Nation in the World. Please join me this Fourth of July season in strongly promoting a respectful attitude of "Let Freedom Ring!!"

Freedom from Excessive Taxation 


It is time to freeze the collection of Conservation Futures!  In the worst economy our Country has seen since The Great Depression, Governments must relax some of their burden on the Citizenry.  Freezing the collection of the Conservation Futures Fund is an incredibly easy way to do that without affecting current services.

When I sent out an e-mail sometime back, asking for your opinion on one way to spend some of that Futures money, there were calls to censure me.  Perhaps there is a concern that my call for fiscal sanity will gain a second vote.

A couple of local papers were courteous enough to allow me a guest editorial to spout off about this topic and others (like the lawsuit).  You can view that writing on my blog by clicking this link:

Kelly's Blog

  

Freedom from Overbearing Regulations 


If you're a parent or grandparent who enjoys puffing on a fine tobacco while spending a nice spring afternoon flying model airplanes with your child, your days are numbered. The liberal majority of the Board has decided, unabashedly, to force you to a designated area in public parks to indulge in that type of behavior.

Whether or not we have the ability to enforce this policy won't change the perception that those who do not abide by it are unlawful and disorderly. Obeying it may mean that you will need to bring your juvenile into the designated smoking area with you. Or perhaps you may have them stand outside of the barriers as you enter the demeaning corral to partake in your legal substance.

Let Freedom Ring!

 

Freedom to Celebrate Freedom! 


There have been some requests to contain the duration of fireworks activities.  While the timing does not allow for changes this year, the discussion is taking place. 

I personally will bring my dogs inside and partake in all the festivities I can.

 

Speaking of Animal Control 


The Board is considering decriminalizing much of the off-premises animal laws in order to free up some time and costs for both the Prosecutor and the Public Defender. Repeat offenders would still be prosecuted criminally, but minor offenses would be treated as civil violations.

The exception to this would be attacks by off-premise animals. I believe those attacks account for truly a minor number of offenses overall and should be handled differently. The threat of criminal proceedings would perhaps be a stronger deterrent for owners of uncontrolled and potentially aggressive animals.    

More Animal Control 


Did you know Island County averages close to one deer a day in road kill? Less than a third of that number, are actually bagged from hunters. I say, let's consider opening up and promoting some of our public lands for hunting (where safe of course).

Controlling the deer population by hunting will help reduce the damage to vehicles, including the occasional fatalities caused by collisions with the animals on the roadways. Fewer collisions with animals should also help keep insurance rates down in those affected areas of the county.

An increase of disease among not only the deer but also the other wildlife, and even including humans and their domestic animals, is frequently another undesirable impact of wildlife overpopulation confined to limited areas such as our islands.

South Whidbey Commissioner Price-Johnson and I made up the majority when it came to getting this issue into the "policy" at the last Wednesday workshop. Let's see where we are when it comes to actual regulation.    

 

It is an honor to serve you, Let Freedom Ring!

 


Kelly Emerson
Island County Commissioner- District 3