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.  This year I was given the opportunity to join the Naval Air Station Whidbey Island (NASWI) Task Force with their annual efforts to advocate for the Base at the Capitol and at the Pentagon.

"It's good to see counties and cities getting along," was the sentiment we heard when visiting with our congressman and senators.

The issue of seeking some change in Tri-care's access to services provisions, which I brought forward, was well received.  What that could mean for our county is an increase in the quantity of people using our chemical dependency programs.  That, in turn, could re-ignite the private sector interest in providing those services and possibly allow us to once again use a contractor for those programs.

What that would mean for the Navy is that those beneficiaries, who under the current provisions have to travel over 100 miles for the treatment, will be able to get that much closer to home.  That, in turn, could mean an increased rate of success for the patients and better overall quality of life for the sailors.

Both the IC Board of Health and my colleagues on the commission agreed unanimously to provide a follow up letter on the topic.  After receiving the letter, Senator Murray's office assured me they would be looking into it.   

We had a full day of meetings at the Pentagon and I must say, the Oak Harbor bunch was impressive.

Mayor Dudley showed great foresight and representation in his leading the discussions on city infrastructure plans.  Former County Commissioner Mac McDowell told the story on the county's efforts of cooperation flawlessly.  I went away with some tasks to take back to the national boards I serve on.    

I think it was an extremely productive visit, I'm grateful for the opportunity to have joined the group and I'm thankful to those people from both islands that understand how important NASWI is to our county, our state, our nation and the world.    

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?

So the annual meeting/banquet is far beyond a good time for me.  It's a duty, and a righteous cause.   

This year's workshops exceeded expectations as usual.  Folks came from Florida to tell about the repealing of their Growth Management Act and how that affected the local communities.   

There were discussions on the science behind endangered species listings; and an upcoming tool called "coordination" that helps local communities retain some control of their land.   

The food was great, the auction was fun and the Island County company was fantastic.  We saved some room for you.  Hope you'll be able to make it next year.      

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