Brickworks supporters (many not in his district) who are angry with Rich Peterson for putting the interests of the taxpayers above their cherished hope of a raid on the county coffers are now trying to punish him — and all the county taxpayers who look to him to put their interests first — by opposing his re-election. Rich was, of course, absolutely right that his protection of the taxpayers’ interests was not a death knell for the Brickworks project — it is going ahead without the additional taxpayer support its proponents had sought. The highly intemperate rhetoric that his vote was a knife in the heart of Friday Harbor has proved to be not only intemperate and offensive but dead wrong.
I was recently driving around our beautiful island when I saw a sign that said re-elect xyz candidate, and what jumped into my mind immediately was, WHY? What possible reason can any of you reading this give to justify any incumbent, at any level, being re-elected? Are you kidding me? Is it the amazing economic acumen they have displayed? Well! Let’s examine the evidence.
This letter is to acknowledge our local paper, The Journal, during National Newspaper Week, Oct. 3-9. The theme of the week is how newspapers connect communities through print and online services. This connection is very important to the residents and staff at Life Care Center of the San Juan islands (formerly Islands Convalescent Center). We are grateful for The Journal’s coverage of the events we hold and the stories our residents have to tell. This continues to keep our facility connected to the community and prevents feelings of isolation and depression.
San Juan County voters have an opportunity to elect a new sheriff. Let’s make the correct choice. For me, Brent Johnson is that choice. Experience is a key element in determining who is best qualified for the position. Brent possesses 35 years experience in many aspects of law enforcement. He worked in a large city police force, the University of Washington Police, and, for the past eight years, as the lead detective for the San Juan County Sheriff’s Office.
San Juan County voters will do themselves a great favor if they return Rich Peterson to the San Juan County Council, North San Juan. Rich has served four years as a council member with integrity and common sense. His performance in a difficult and demanding position has always been to try and find the best policies and results for the population in general, rather than for special interests or political gain.
I will vote for Bob Myhr. It is not often that our county leadership is endowed with someone who combines a passionate desire to preserve and enhance the beauty, community and life-giving natural resources of our county; a resume of organizational leadership and practical work experience that virtually matches the checklist of CEOs of U.S. companies and non-profits; a brilliant intellect who earned Fulbright Scholarships; a well-deserved reputation for wisdom, reflection, fairness and decisiveness; and, for the 27 years that I have known him, a middle name of “integrity.”
Join sheriff candidate Brent Johnson for some barbecue and conversation on Oct. 9, 1-3 p.m., at the American Legion, 793 Crescent Beach Drive, Eastsound.
Hanna Burke of Friday Harbor, a student at The American Musical and Dramatic Academy in Hollywood, Calif., is returning to the college conservatory for the performing arts to continue her studies.
Eight San Juan County sheriff’s officers have endorsed Rob Nou for sheriff in the Nov. 2 election. Nou, a former Oregon police chief who joined the sheriff’s department as a deputy in 2008, faces Lead Detective Brent Johnson, a former Albuquerque, N.M. police sergeant, in the election. The endorsement letter, submitted to The Journal by e-mail Monday, is signed by Herb Crowe, Bruce Distler, Doug Maya, Jeff Patterson, Nikki Rogers, Scott Taylor, Jim Tyrrell and Steve Vierthaler.
I feel like I’m in England each morning, walking the countryside near my mother’s house. Rolling meadows with grazing sheep, the sky big and beautiful, changing in each moment. Snowberries mixing with rose hips and Queen Anne’s Lace, adding to the palette of greens along the path. What a gift to walk along San Juan Valley Road, even if just for a mile or so, and enjoy what the center of the island has to offer, without the hazard of walking directly on the road.
There is still time to knit scarves for our military for the upcoming winter cold overseas. Mailing deadline is Dec. 1. Here are directions for an easy attractive scarf. One takes about 1 1/2 skein of yarn. Use colors suitable for the military. Instructions and more information are also available at the yarn shop across the street from King’s Market. Show our troops how much we care!
Living cooperatively is a delicate balancing act. One person’s joy can simultaneously be another person’s nightmare. The location (107 Portland Fair Road), the volume and duration of the loud music rehearsed and presented by the Village Faire Sept. 17, 18 and 19, displayed either an acute lack of awareness or a deliberate disregard of neighborly ethics, a result totally out of balance with the genuine playfulness and generosity of the intent of those sponsoring the event.
The pumpkins are plump and plentiful at Guard and Connie Sundstrom’s farm on San Juan Valley Road. A salvaged building and salvaged materials contributed to the construction of the farm store, still being completed on the Sundstrom farm. Molly, the Sundstrom’s dog, takes a rest on the farm store porch, where customers can peruse corn, garden plants, oaks, pumpkins, and zucchini.
