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DISTRICT 1 NEWS
May 2013
Follow the PathMarissa Lane
  
    The islands we have the privilege to call home have a rich history of citizen advocacy and involvement. We can follow the path of those who walked this way before us and work together to create the future we desire.
  Over the next couple of years there are significant comprehensive planning efforts by the County which I hope you will participate in. The Public Participation Plan is the first step in the process and will be the topic of a public hearing on Monday, May 20th at 10:15 am.  The plan is available for review at the County's website and your comments are welcome.
    The Board will soon be selecting a new planning director to help lead this effort. As we interview candidates I will be looking for someone with a strong customer service philosophy, who is well-versed in community engagement and effective management skills. 
     In this newsletter I've highlighted another of my official committees, and invite you to an upcoming Coffee with the Commissioner.   
   
The shortest distance to far away
The shortest distance to far away
    
 Tourism is an important part of our economy, as many small businesses which serve our local community year round, depend upon the annual influx of visitors to make a profit each year.
     There is a great group of local folks who work hard to bring visitors to our islands during the "shoulder season."  I have the joy of serving as chair of this tourism committee which oversees the county promotional efforts and spending of 2% lodging revenues generated locally. 
     This community has much to offer from wineries, aquaculture, artisans, events and historic sites.
     At our last meeting we learned about a new phone app where anyone can upload free activities to a calendar so visitors can quickly find interesting things to do as they travel here. Please help populate the information available for our area.
     There are some sweepstakes and interesting videos available through the Whidbey Camano website.  I hope you will share this with friends and family who may want to visit soon.

Coffee with the Commissioner

 

I am so happy to announce that the next gathering will be Monday, May 20th at the Greenbank Store. Check out their great video: http://vimeo.com/42579911
 
 I appreciate Brian Cedar and his crew for welcoming us into their incredibly iconic spot for a community conversation about important County topics. Please join us from 5:30-7pm that evening.  

 

Be sure to forward this email to others who may be interested. Thanks for your civic participation. It is truly an honor to serve the citizens of Island County. 
 
Best regards,

 

Helen Price Johnson
Island County Commissioner, Dist. 1

district1@co.island.wa.us 

(360)679-7354

PO Box 5000

Coupeville, WA 98239