Dear County Council,

It is a great service to the community to have Community Treasures. Community Treasures is a wonderful asset to San Juan Island. A business owner since 2006, I help people in their homes and on their property. I personally see CT serve all the community from the very humble to the very wealthy. The very wealthy, of course, donate as do the humble. Many of my clients have me take items after cleaning or property caretaking. It should be emphasized that Community Treasures has continued to improve in organization, efficiency, and helpfulness to those who donate and those who buy. Much has been written, extensively debated and accomplished regarding the need for affordable housing for working-class, professionals, service and tradespeople. This county and island need to maintain a treasure that helps very low, modest and middle-class income persons/families to be able to live and be productive on our island. I see many families with children as well as seniors frequenting the treasure hunting location CT. We have a mixed bag of full-time and part-time residents with tremendous income ranges and yes, there is a disconnect. The expense (time and travel included) to the mainland- ferry, gas and lunch is an expense that is not in the budget for many islanders. As a business owner, family member, voter, taxpayer and devoted resident, I join those who ask for a permanent change to the land use designation to Rural General Use and to designate the property as an essential public facility. Thank you for addressing the need for this public facility and community service.

Sincerely,

Dorena West-Mooney

San Juan Island.