A family photo from 1975 shows my son, then four years old, wading at Griffin Bay and leaning down to kiss a jellyfish he had lifted gently from the water. Only a moment before, his mother — seeing him lifting and dashing them on the sand — talked quietly with him about the sacredness of all living things.
I do not live in the Town of Friday Harbor. I am not in need of lower-cost housing. But I feel I have a very real interest in the outcome of the proposed annexation to the town which will enable the San Juan Community Home Trust to provide permanently affordable homes on the Buck/Boreen property.
The presentations by the MRC coordinator and the Lead Entity coordinator at a recent County Council meeting clearly demonstrate the vital importance of these two programs to all San Juan residents as well as most visitors to these islands.
The American experiment is essentially this: can we the people be trusted to govern ourselves? Throughout our history the answer has been yes, we can. But self-governance takes work and it requires leaders. Leaders to help us confront issues and work out answers so that we may make good decisions for ourselves.
The recent barrages of online negative comments on County Council candidates are attempts to promote a specific candidate by throwing dirt. The candidates’ sometimes respond emotionally, and that shows they are human and care. I have had to endure similar attacks due to the ideological positions that I have taken in our community over the years.
Given the possible outcomes of the Nov. 4 elections, locally and nationally, it is indisputable that we will be in need of people in government with a sense of levity, of irony. It is equally indisputable that, locally, Gordy Petersen is that person.
I would like to thank the American Legion Auxiliary, Senior Center, and Thrift House for the cards and get-well wishes. Also, the Masonic Lodge for bring me a lovely dinner and dessert Saturday. It was much appreciated. All the cards, calls, and visits from all my friends really cheered me up.
In my mind, there is only one candidate for County Council, District 1, that has the breadth of experience, the collaboration skills, and the commitment to our entire community required to lead us through the inevitable future challenges. Lovel Pratt will receive my vote and I am asking for yours, too.
Thank you, San Juan Island community, for rolling up your sleeves.
On behalf of patients in our community’s hospitals, I wish to extend our thanks. During your blood drive on Sept. 24, Puget Sound Blood Center registered 71 donors and collected 61 units of blood. This will benefit up to 183 patients.
Women of San Juan Island: News flash. Well, sort of, but now that I have your attention. I just want to let you know about an opportunity at Curves; they are letting women come for free for a week to check it out.
An update on San Juan Island Community Radio’s application for an FM license: Our Petition for Reapplication has been “accepted for filing.” It cleared the FCC International Board that checked it for violation of Canadian radio and found none. It has been sent back to the CRTC — Canada’s FCC — for their approval, which may take several months.
I find it unfortunate that the media keeps using the term “bailout” to describe the actions being taken to mitigate the current financial crises. I’m sure that as a result of this terminology, most people would describe what is going on as: “The government is taking our tax money to offset the financial reversals of a bunch of mismanaged companies, without any chance of seeing those funds returned.” The term bailout has exactly that connotation.
To the students and staff at Friday Harbor High and Middle schools: It has been a honor and privilege to serve you government-approved and school-budget lunches for the past 12 years. I will miss watching you grow into fine young men and ladies. I know a lot of you high schoolers will love not hearing “Wrong door, go around.”
