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DISTRICT 1 NEWS
March 2014 
"...a government of the people, by the people and for the people..."

One of the most powerful aspects about our country is the importance of public participation in decision making. As your County Commissioner I know how valuable it is to hear from citizens as plans are made for the direction of our community. A great example is the Fairgrounds Strategic Planning process. The Navy is also asking for feedback on their testing in our region. The details are described below. Citizenship is not a spectator sport, so please get informed and help shape the future.
New Business Model Needed for Fairgrounds
  
The Fairgrounds in Langley is a wonderful community owned property with a rich history and great potential. For generations we have enjoyed the annual fair, but we are not immune from the national trend of struggling to maintain too many aging structures, rising utility and insurance costs and not enough income to keep the property viable for the annual fair.  Countless volunteer hours, a major portion of the Fair's revenues and over $30,000 a year from the County have been poured into repairing and upgrading existing structures, but we are not keeping up. In short, unless major changes are made, the fair as we know it will cease to exist.

 A public presentation last month described an incremental plan for building on the strengths of the property and our community to create a sustainable program over the long term. What I liked about it most was the flexibility of the concept and the ability for the community to be involved at every step as decisions are made. This is not an all or nothing plan. Just the opposite is true. The idea is to take small but meaningful steps to move toward financial independence while promoting local food, local arts and artisans. This is a good approach. For example,  if the revenue collections are different than expected, course corrections can be made along the way.

   

With this phased approach, public input is maximized, financial risk and the use of tax dollars are minimized and the community is able to utilize this amazing resource while enhancing our local economic development.

   

This strategic plan sets the stage and describes an organizational structure and management concept. Right now the question for the community is this the direction we want to go or not? Once that direction is decided, the concrete details of the actual design and implementation will come later in the process after much more input. The strategic plan materials are available through this link. Please share your thoughts as a new business plan is crafted to preserve our fair.

    

Regional EIS Input Requested
 
Public involvement is a fundamental part of the development of the Northwest Training and Testing Environmental Impact Statement/Overseas Environmental Impact Statement (EIS/OEIS). NWTT has an  impact on everything from Homeland Security to fighter jet noise to sonar testing and marine mammals.

 

The impacts of military training and testing must be accurately reviewed so the health and welfare of the community and our environment can be properly protected.

 

A public meeting was held last week in Oak Harbor,

but even if you didn't attend, your input is still important.

  

You can find the project fact sheets and posters used at the public meetings on the project website at www.NWTTEIS.com.

 

Public meetings are being held throughout Washington, Oregon, Northern California and Alaska. 

 

March is Red Cross Month
 
During the Civil War, Clara Barton risked her life to aid the wounded, raise spirits, and deliver medical supplies. In 1881 she went on to found the American Red Cross. President Obama asks that, " During American Red Cross Month, we honor those who devote themselves to bringing relief where there is suffering, inspiring hope where there is despair, and healing the wounds of disaster and war. "

The American Red Cross Islands Chapter serves the over 101,000 residents on Fidalgo, Whidbey and the San Juan Islands. They have launched a community disaster education program called Safe in the Sound to help residents prepare for disasters.

Learn about the Safe in the Sound Program
and join me in thanking the many volunteers in the Islands Chapter of Red Cross. For more information about preparedness, visit the Island County's Department of Emergency Management.
 
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It is an honor to serve you,

 
Helen Price Johnson
Island County Commissioner, Dist. 1

district1@co.island.wa.us 

(360)679-7354

PO Box 5000

Coupeville, WA 98239