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District 3 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
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Adopt-a-Senior-Pet
Seniors on Whidbey
360-678-5816  360-387-1902
Should taxes be raised or public services be cut? Take the Washington State Transportation Commission survey on Transportation Taxes and Priorities Click here for survey
Our County's Debt As of January 1, 2012 Island County is this much in debt: $ 7,183,400 for renovation of the facilities in Coupeville $ 2,488,289 for renovation of the facilities in Coupeville $ 1,244,888 for the Juvenile Detention Center $ 673,111 for the County's portion of Greenbank Farm $ 143,537 for Marshall Road storm & surface water improvements $ 11,733,224 and has fiduciary responsibility for this much debt: Sno-Isle Library $ 3,645,879.50 Greenback Farms Port of Coupeville $ 625,971.21 For a grand total of $ 16,005,074.71 Great Quotes!
"Democracy and liberty are not the same. Democracy is little more than mob rule, while liberty refers to the sovereignty of the individual." |
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Greetings!
What a joyous time of year it is. Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah or some other holiday... May you celebrate it to the fullest!
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 Countywide Issues
 Revised No Shooting Area Ordinance to be discussed next week.
Thanks to your presence, e-mails and phone calls there are substantial changes in this second draft ordinance which our commissioner board will be discussing on December 18th.
Most of the language I proposed remained relatively intact and included in this latest version. However, it was brought to my attention there were places where I didn't go far enough and in most all cases, Commissioner Homola's proposals went too far. (Click here to download the second draft of the proposed ordinance.)
It seems that the 500 feet, or even 300 for that matter, could exclude most anyone from being able to "discharge firearms" on their own property wherever 60% of the neighbors say so. There is no criteria to establish "reasonable likelihood of damage."
Could 60% of the population of the county file a petition to establish the entire county as a No Shooting Area? As the draft reads now, there is not even a requirement to verify that those signing that petition live in Island County.
The idea still needs some work and our discussion next week will determine what, if any, further changes we would like to see. If a final draft is agreed upon by a majority of the board, public hearings could be set for early next year. The public hearing is when you get a chance to voice your opinion on the issue. I hope to see you there.
***SAVE THE DATE***
When: April 20th and 21st
What: Project Appleseed
Where: Central Widbey Sportsmans'
Why: Lunch is on me! (Saturday)
Come join me for a weekend of reacquiring the skills and knowledge that gave us the opportunity to establish a great nation. Don't worry if you don't make Rifleman status with just one shoot but, be warned, it can be addictive.
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Camano Update 
Is a much needed facelift for the Camano Annex on the way?
Early in my term, when going through documents in the Camano office, I came across previously prepared blueprints for a new government building. It turns out the plans were for a whole new look on the campus and it would have been nice.
Realistically, the fulfillment of those plans is well over a decade away. The question is... What will it take for the current buildings to withstand that time? and... Is it financially feasible to make cosmetic improvement in the interim?
With the Skagit Valley Hospital, our anchor tenant, planning to invest in an upgrade to our building there in the campus, it's important we do what we can to help them succeed (so they can keep paying us).
An affordable revitalization of the campus would not only draw attention their way, but provide opportunity for an enhancement of community worth that could interest those wandering about our island paradise. |
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 Speak Up Now! To Save the Camano State Park.
Last year you stopped an effort to greatly reduce usage of the park well into its tracks; this year you have the chance to stop it for years to come.
The destruction of your state park was evaded last year because you pointed out the State hadn't included you in the "plan." This year, they are asking for your input and if we don't get it in this phase, we can't complain when the fish take over.
We have until the end of the year to get comments in to Christine Parsons at: Camano.Island.Planning@parks.wa.gov
| This is less about what you don't want than it is about what you do want. So if you want the park to remain as is, let them know you are interested in the maintenance to keep things as they are now.
Believe you me, those wanting to take the park back to prehistoric times and keep you out are giving their input. We need yours. Don't think we can do this without you.
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North Whidbey News
Naval Air Station Whidbey Island (NASWI) receives
The Navy Community Service
Environmental Stewardship Flagship Award
 I'm not sure what all that means but it sounds really positive. Seriously, as the regional commanding officer, Admiral Rich talked about in his recent meeting with the Navy League, the Navy must concern themselves heavily with environmental issues. | There were three categories for the award all based on base size. Our NASWI received the award for the large base category, and our region's Indian Island took the small base category. It was so nice to hear Admiral Rich proudly mention that our region claimed two of the three awards.
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More from the Navy on the Environment
With the possibility of an increase in anticipated aircraft and personnel coming to NASWI, a supplemental Environmental Impact Statement is forthcoming. The release of the Draft Supplemental EIS will be followed by a 45 day public comment period which will include public meetings for discussion.
To stay on top of the project, visit the website (www. mmaseis.com). Dates, locations and times of public meetings will be announced. |
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Update on Gallery Golf Course Well Water Use
Captain Johnston, commanding officer of NASWI, recently issued a letter regarding the Gallery Golf Course water usage for the year. 7.5 million gallons were pumped which is consistent with the historical usage and much less than the amount concerning the Water Resources Advisory Committee and the local neighbors.
| The Navy took measures to monitor above and beyond the requirements and added a self-imposed buffer. The letter seeks to ensure us that the conservation of the aquifer is the top priority.
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