Thanks for getting this information out! I have been very disturbed by the NPS use of toxic chemicals in the park. I came across a “POISON” sign near the Visitor Center a couple of years ago … I think they are required to warn people for the first few hours after spraying. Yet I increasingly hear about people with environmental sensitivities who cannot tolerate exposure to toxic chemicals and have terrible reactions if exposed.
The news that the Neah Bay tug came to the rescue and helped to avert any damage to our island shores brought to mind how tirelessly our former commissioner, Rhea Miller, worked for the placement of the tug to protect our local waters and shorelines.
Given the continued discussion over this project, we wanted to update the community on the process and clarify some of the details. As we wrote last fall, after much public discussion the Land Bank Commission voted to approve purchase of an historic preservation and conservation easement over the Erickson property in the summer of 2008. The goal was to protect (and see restored) the last remaining industrial building in Friday Harbor, and provide public access to green space in the downtown core.
The ballots are in the mail; so it is time to make a decision on who should for be our next sheriff. It was a difficult decision because those running have a lot to offer. I have decided to endorse Brent Johnson for sheriff.
Bigger and better. That’s what organizers of the San Juan Historical Museum’s annual garage sale say their event will be this year — Saturday, July 31, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Five candidates are running for San Juan County sheriff. The two top vote-getters in the Aug. 17 primary advance to the Nov. 2 general election. The sheriff earns $97,514 a year and manages a staff of 36 full-time employees and a budget of $2.3 million, which includes: $719,219, dispatch; $472,888, Enhanced E-911; $398,920, jail; and $209,615, Emergency Management.
Bob Coleman announced his resignation this week as president of Islanders Bank, citing medical concerns. “I’m old enough to retire,” Coleman said. “I’ve got some medical things to take care of so I thought it would be in the best interest of me and my family, and certainly the bank, not to be a burden on anybody.”
Claire Burke, daughter of Cynthia and Christopher Burke of Friday Harbor, graduated from The Evergreen State College in Olympia on June 11.
About 16 candidates for eight elected positions — including all five candidates for San Juan County sheriff — will attend the Salmon BBQ and Tea Party on July 31 — Saturday — 2-6 p.m., at the Big Red Barn, 1721 Cattle Point Road in Friday Harbor. The event is open to the public. A full salmon dinner is available for a donation. Call 378-3843 to RSVP.
As I have watched and listened to the response from the community regarding the candidates running for sheriff, it has become apparent that other than budget issues, the most common concern being expressed is the use and trafficking of illegal narcotics in our county. This is understandable considering the residual effect that both illegal and prescription drug abuse has had.
Simply by being alive – by traveling, eating, bathing – each of us chips away at the natural wonder of this place we treasure and seek to preserve. Is it fair to demand that the rabbits share this space with us, and leave no trace? Could our energies be better spent considering our own impact on our environment, rather than convincing ourselves that killing living animals with guns and bullets and blood – not even for the sport of it, not even for their meat, but simply for the sake of having them gone — will somehow make this place more beautiful?
The question inquired, “What would you do to reduce civil complaints and lawsuits against the San Juan County Sheriff’s Department in order to reduce the amount of money paid by the tax payers.” I appreciate that Mr. Zerby thinks that there is something more to the question, but there is not. I asked the question because of my concerns about the future of the San Juan County Sheriff’s Department based on many reasons. Here are five specific reasons.
The National Park Service sprayed the herbicide Roundup over a three-acre area of the American Camp prairie in June, in preparation for a prescribed burn and planting of native grasses. That’s according to Peter Dederich, the National Park superintendent, as he prepared for a public meeting Tuesday on the proposed removal of European rabbits as part of the prairie restoration plan. The burn was postponed because of dampness and, later, because of wind. Dederich expects the burn will take place in September.
