Carrie Lacher, Mayor-Elect

You've Got Google

2009-11-15T18:31:00.000-08:00

Do you know about Google Analytics? During my campaign, I used Google Analytics to track how many visitors I got a day, where in the world they were, how long they stayed at my site, where they were linking from and all sorts of cool stuff. Amazing (and valuable) info for bloggers or anyone with a website. Now that the campaign is over (reality check: yup, we really did win -- ooo, little happy feet dance, okay I'm back), I can see from my Google Analytics that visits to my blog site have taken a dramatic nose dive. So, I've decided to take a little holiday hiatus from blogging. If you visit here during the next few weeks and find it static, let me know what you'd be interested in seeing. I'm going to spend some time thinking about and soliciting feedback on how to develop a public forum for the mayorship. In the meantime, catch up with me on facebook, send me an email, drop by the Library, or stop me on the street. After all, you do know where to find me....IN TOWN!

Family Ties

2009-11-14T07:48:00.000-08:00

My brother Eric is in a hospital back in the midwest this week recovering from whoop-dee-doo abdominal surgery. So far, he's doing great, whew. But it's times like these when I fervently wish my family lived just down the street and this little island was not quite so far from the mainland! There are unique challenges and stresses to island living, that's for sure. And medical issues certainly can highlight those problematic times. That being said, I have to admit (and much to the chagrin of my sister and the entire great state of Texas) you could not pay me to live elsewhere! I spent my formative years in the midwest and, to be sure, there are aspects of Chicago living that I miss: the brawling citiness of it, the world renowned museums, the amazing autumnal colors. But here's what I get in return: blue skies, blue water, smiling faces, a community that pulls together, a group of people who love where they live just as much as I do. It's why I'm committed to keeping it that way. To listening to you and working with you to ensure the fabulousness of Friday Harbor and island living for right now and for your kids and your kids' kids and on and on for a good long while. After all, I might not have been able to entice my siblings here (yet) but I've got big plans for the next generation!

Inspiration Infusion

2009-11-10T08:07:00.000-08:00

In all those great book suggestions yesterday (thank you), somebody mentioned the Twilight saga. Yup, been there, read them all, had a great time! And I can actually make a government connection. Really! Last summer, the annual conference of the Association of Washington Cities was mc'd by none other than the Mayor of Forks, Nedra Reed. During the course of the conference, a basket of Forks goodies was raffled off. The highlight of this gift basket was a brand new wine. Yup, you guessed it: "Sparkling Twilight" -- a sparkling Syrah produced by Olympic Cellars Winery and inspired by teen vampires! Who knew? Turns out vampires have been just the shot in the arm (or is that bite in the neck) that the slumping economy of tiny Forks, Washington needed. So, lesson learned: don't be a closed book to new ideas! Or: new inspiration is just one heartbeat away. Or: envision a forever future together ..... or, well, something like that!

Reading Materials

2009-11-09T07:04:00.000-08:00

Okay! I need a book to read! I'm finally starting to come out of my post-win glow and I need a good fat book to read -- preferably on a highly relevant topic. Hmmm. Can you say government, politics, leadership? Do you have a super good one to recommend? The kind that you're reluctant to put down for needed sleep until you finish one more page....okay, well, just one more....wait, wait, just onnnnne more... During my campaign, I joined the Town's Team in the Library's 100 Book Challenge as part of the Centennial Celebration. And I managed to get my fair share of reading done. But since then, as the campaign heated up, I had so much I wanted to get done, so many people I wanted to talk with, so many things I wanted to see, hear, do and see that I had to limit my reading to articles and documents. So now I'm ready for a big sprawling book I can totally dive into. And I'm looking for suggestions. Got book? Tell me about it!

And Away We Go!

2009-11-08T10:20:00.000-08:00

So a new journey begins for us! Together, we made a little bit of history and together we're going to go bravely into our shared future. I wanted to thank each and every one of you for your amazing support and for following my campaign blog. Let me know if you are interested in following postings from here. As Mayor-elect, I am sure I'll have some new thoughts and new things to share but I am still mulling on a vision and format for that. Your feedback would be helpful. Thank you again to each of you. Thank you!

Check it out on The Journal!

2009-11-04T14:38:00.005-08:00

Mayor-elect Lacher: 'This is an amazing, forward-thinking place to live'

Posted using ShareThis

Thank You!

2009-11-03T23:23:00.000-08:00

Wow! I'm still reeling! But we did it together and we're ready to head into our bright Friday Harbor future. Thank you for your words of wisdom, for your kind thoughts, for your insights, for your financial support, for your emails and phone calls. Thank you for everything it took to make this a success. But most of all, thank you for your love of Friday Harbor. Together, we make this community the great place it is. Let's keep on doing that .... together!

Vote Today!

2009-11-03T06:56:00.001-08:00

It's here! Today is the day to vote wisely, vote strongly. I first posted here on May 3rd when I announced my candidacy. We've been on quite a journey together since then, haven't we? I've learned much about our Town, our citizens, and our future. Since the first day of my campaign, I have told you how positive I feel about our future and how committed I am to working to ensure that. I feel that way even more strongly today. Because during my campaign, I got to hear from you and I heard over and over again that you are committed to a bright and vibrant future, too. We definitely have our challenges. And we both have our concerns. But those concerns are based on a true love for our Town and our future together. That's pretty amazing. That's pretty fabulous. That's something we can build on....together. Vote today!

Be the Change You Want to See

2009-11-02T07:26:00.000-08:00

The final 2 days of The Campaign and I'm back home, refreshed (well, after I catch up on sleep) and re-inspired after a weekend with my Soropti-sisters from all over the Northwest Region (from as far away as Fairbanks, Alaska!). All during the conference, I was reminded in very immediate ways of what we commit to when we become a Soroptimist:

The sincerity of friendship
The joy of achievement
The dignity of service
The integrity of profession
The love of country
I will put forth my greatest effort
To promote, uphold and defend these ideals
For a larger fellowship in home, in society, in business
For country and for God.
You know, that so perfectly sums up my commitment to our Town and our Community! No wonder I enjoy being a Soroptimist. Right now, Soroptimists Friday Harbor is seeking young women between the ages of 14 and 17 who demonstrate great community involvement to apply for the Violet Richardson Award. Know someone? Are you that someone? Let me know. Let's keep doing this together!

Going Global

2009-10-31T07:59:00.000-07:00

I'm in Seattle this weekend with Soroptimists of Friday Harbor for a district meeting. Did you know Soroptimists are world-wide? We're working everywhere to improve the lives of women, especially young girls. I haven't really focused on the gender thing during my campaign because there has been so much more important stuff to talk about and think about and work on. That being said, gender is in fact a campaign issue in this Mayoral race. Not because I would be "breaking the glass ceiling" as The Journal coined it, but because my gender has informed my life, my perspective, my way of tackling a problem, a job, a project. As a woman, my first inclination is to nurture -- and that's something our Town can benefit from. As a woman, I'm going to want to know not only what you think about an issue but also how you feel about it -- critical feedback when we're dealing with complex and complicated challenges. As a woman, I'm going to want to talk about stuff -- talk with you, talk to other elected officials, talk with my colleagues in other Towns and municipalities. That kind of talking and networking can bring us new insights, creative solutions, and community activism. I do believe it is time for a change in our Town -- a good change, a positive change. Time to sweep out the cobwebs, dust out the attic, shake out the rugs, and throw open the windows to let in fresh thoughts, new dreams, big ideas. Women have been known for years to keep the home fires burning and to fashion old scraps into new cloth. Plus, talk about being a role model! I'm so there!

Vote Today!

2009-10-30T07:22:00.000-07:00

Have you voted yet? According to the Elections Office, as of yesterday, 25% of Town voters have cast their ballots. Including me! Yes, voting is particularly meaningful to me this year because I am running for Mayor. And of course, I would appreciate your vote because your vote for me is a vote for a positive and dynamic future for Friday Harbor. I see a challenging but bright future for our Town. I am committed to collaboration, active listening, and creative workable solutions for our Town. I bet you are, too. Voting is our opportunity to help create what we want in our Town, our community, and our country. We may have differing opinions and differing choices, but in the very act of voting we are stepping up to be counted and to voice our commitment to our shared future. We’re in this together! You’ve got until November 3rd to do it. It doesn’t really matter if you do it at home, in your car, with your kids, on the way to work. What does matter: open your ballot, get out that pen, and do it! Wherever you do it, whatever your choices, just do it! Vote today! (You can also read this in The Journal).

Doing the Good Work

2009-10-29T08:12:00.000-07:00

Consensus building is not an easy thing to do. I first got real training in this when I was working at the Church. At the Home Trust and even in my neighborhood, this community building technique is also emphasized when it comes to decision making. During my Leadership San Juan Islands experience, we also focused on consensus building. And I think that's what takes us time on the Town Council sometimes to come to a decision is that we're trying to work towards consensus. What's so hot about consensus? It means that even when making the tough decisions, everyone agrees the final outcome is for the greater good. It means that everyone puts aside their personal feelings in order to support what is best for the community. It means that no one walks away from the table angry or feeling ignored. It often means a lot of hard work and a lot of talking and sometimes it takes longer than simple majority rules or who is shouting the loudest. But the up side is that when consensus building works well, the greater good really is the greater good. Since this process is organic, it can be tweaked and prodded and encouraged. But I have seen it accomplish great and lasting things in such a way that a sense of real community is also forged and enhanced. Well, this is really just another way to say: Let's work together!

And Now, This Important Reminder

2009-10-28T07:49:00.000-07:00

Just in case you haven't made up your mind yet, here is some cool stuff to help you out! Senator Kevin Ranker endorses me: "I would like to voice my support of Carrie Lacher as mayor of the Town of Friday Harbor. Ms. Lacher has shown both professionalism and dedication as a current member of the Town Council. In her role on the Town Council and on the Solid Waste Advisory Committee, she has established a solid understanding of issues affecting our community. Throughout my experiences, I have been impressed with Ms. Lacher’s commitment and foresight. Her interest in revitalizing plans such as a permanent farmers market demonstrates her future visioning and passions about the Town of Friday Harbor. Ms. Lacher brings value to the community and will continue to work hard for the Friday Harbor residents. I know Ms. Lacher will be the kind of mayor we all can be proud of." The Journal of the San Juans also endorses me. You can read The Journal's endorsement here! The Mayor of Friday Harbor endorses me, too! Read the Mayor's endorsement here! WOW! Thank you! I intend to work hard to live up to that belief and support! (And BTW, you can keep up with Senator Ranker's hard work at his blog!)

It's Raining, It's Pouring...

2009-10-27T07:27:00.000-07:00

Looking back over my recent posts, I've noticed a certain theme: Rain! It is that time of year again, isn't it? And I've heard we're due for an El Nino winter which means: more rain. One idea I've had to help keep a lid on rising utility rates has to do with stormwater. Back in August, I first posted about this topic and I thought I'd revisit it. Still sounds pretty feasible to me. Here it is again: ...where does all the rain go? In Town, we have a challenge with all our impervious surfaces. Last night, I was reading through the stormwater section of the Utility Rate Study for the Town again (now there's a document to make your head hurt). For a single family residence, monthly stormwater rates in Town are currently $10.25 per month and going up. Here's a thought: what if we join up with the County on stormwater costs and management? Of course that means that the Town stormwater system would be managed by the County's Public Works Department and our stormwater projects would be scheduled based on their priority ranking. Hmmm....Would the benefits outweigh yielding our management control? I'm not at all sure, but in the face of rising costs it might just be something to revisit...

Rain Down, Rain Down

2009-10-26T08:23:00.000-07:00

So I woke with this Harry Belafonte classic in my brain: Didn't it rain, children, talk about rain, oh my Lord! Didn't it? Didn't it? Didn't it, oh my Lord, didn't rain?! Well, it surely is. And very dark rain at that. Always a challenge for us avid pedestrians. On days like these, I am even more grateful for the efforts the Town has gone to for providing safe routes to schools (and btw to my job). Our sidewalk plans may not be perfect but they sure provide a huge measure of safety that was missing before. Not just for kids but also for the disabled such as the vision impaired who can now use the sidewalk edges to independently navigate about Town (those orienting edges were missing before in the soft, weedy shoulders). It would be fabulous if our Town could start to incorporate some helpful bike lanes. Usually that means some sort of compromise some where in the design, but it just might be worth it. In the meantime, dig out those rain boots and go for a splash on the sidewalk nearest your house!

Sign of the Times Part 2

2009-10-25T07:22:00.000-07:00

Today is the first day of the last week of this year's campaign. And I'm pleased to say that it looks like both my opponent and I have stuck to our agreement of NO LAWN SIGNS - NO BUSINESS SIGNS. First of all because the signs have a tendency to create an unnecessary feeling of divisiveness in our small, community. Secondly, they can distract from business -- a customer should freely choose where they want to go and what they want to buy and not be hesitant based on what political sign is in the window. Third, the whole lawn sign thing has been such a contentious issue in the past with signs getting stolen, defaced, moved, etc. etc. And finally (but not least) its just bad for the environment -- litter, running ink, metal stakes left to rust, yada yada yada. So, while tempting, it has been rewarding to work together on supporting my NO LAWN SIGN campaign and keep our eyes on the issues and on the prize -- a beautiful Friday Harbor!

Rainy Days and Boo boos

2009-10-24T09:25:00.000-07:00

I am SO glad to see the sun today! Yesteday's foggy downpours just about matched the mood of my off-island trip. Once again, I found myself at a medical facility getting some (very) minor surgery that wasn't fun (though it was successful). That happened to me on 4th of July weekend, too, so it was that I spent that Saturday night watching the Anacortes fire works display from my hosptial bed instead of participating in our 100 year salute to the Town's Centennial. Then as now I found myself thinking if that only we had that PeaceHealth facility in place, I would at least be spending that time on the island and be in my own bed that night. At the last Town Council meeting, we got an update on the progress of the PeaceHealth project. The next step for the Town is taking a look at the infrastructure needs of their proposal. They are in fact asking to be annexed and annexation presents all of us good citizens of Friday Harbor with special challenges that need to be carefully considered. So while clearly we could stand to benefit, there is lots to weigh, lots to consider, lots to hear. But I'm still liking the idea and I'm still liking that PeaceHealth may be our partner in this. Take a look at their info and let me know what you think. Its something we can all work on together.

Just Do It!

2009-10-23T05:48:00.000-07:00

I voted yesterday! Have you made your choices yet? Voting by mail is certainly a convenience, that's for sure, and I remember when we made the switch on the island. But it sure feels a lot different than going to the booth and pulling that curtain. I still remember the 1980 presidential election. The campaign had surprisingly turned into a family event and I still remember canvassing with my mother and standing in line (a line!) to vote, waiting my turn with my brother, discussing pros and cons with complete strangers. I also still remember when my candidate conceded (ouch!) and where I was when I heard his concession announcement (the neighborhood Jewel grocery store ... it seems I'm often in grocery stores when momentous national events take place ... maybe I'm just often in grocery stores). Over the years, I've voted in lots of different locales from drafty grange halls to drafty community rooms. Now, I get to vote at my dining room table with a cup of coffee nearby and the Voter's Pamphlet close at hand. No matter if it's the privacy of my own home or in the shared bonding at the voting booth, voting is still a very cool American sort of thing to do. So where ever you do it, just do it!

Thank you, Town Fire Department!

2009-10-22T06:45:00.000-07:00

We had a fire yesterday at the Library! Okay, so it was contained and controlled and totally on purpose...it was still all flamey and everything. But this was because as part of my Library Safety Committee duties, I had arranged for Training Officer Frank Chaffee to give the Library staff some needed training in fire extinguisher usage. One of our staff people, Beth Helstien, used to be a volunteer firefighter so she didn't really need the training but I for one had never pulled the trigger of an extinguisher, so to speak. Frank was great. Knowledgeable, self-effacing, comfortable. I was actually a little bit nervous in the face of the flames from his portable (and very safe) training device but I'm glad I've had this opportunity. Now if there is ever a need for me to use an extinguisher, I'll know just what to do: P.A.S.S. That stands for Pull, Aim, Spray, Sweep. As Frank explained and then we all got to try, here's the drill (get it? drill? okay, okay) PULL -- The first step is to pull the pin ( it usually has the inspection tag attached to it) that prevents the handle from being squeezed. AIM -- The second step is to aim the hose nozzle at the fire. Aim low at the base of the fire. SQUEEZE -- The third step is to squeeze the handle to spray the contents. SWEEP -- The final step is to sweep back and forth as you spray the base of the fire. Frank had lots of other important tips like even if you get the fire under control, call 9-1-1 for the fire folk to come out and make sure. Another tip: don't put yourself between the fire and no way out! We were all successful at extinguishing the fire and we're all better prepared and safer for it. Thanks, Training Officer Frank! And thanks to the Town of Friday Harbor Fire Dept. for supplying this great training!

Doing the Right Thing

2009-10-21T06:14:00.000-07:00

I’m totally in favor of the proposed County and Island Rec levies. I don’t really like taxes, but I like our community. I like who we are as a people, as a Town, as an Island. As a Town Council member over the past almost 2 years now, I’ve become intimately aware of what taxes do for our community. Local governments are in an increasingly tight pinch as a direct result of State Initiative 747 which was passed in 2001 and put a 1% cap on property tax growth. Sure that 1% cap probably sounds good, but the result is that governments and taxing districts (like the Library) have slowly been starved as inflation has steadily outstripped that 1% growth rate. I get the theory that if you reduce government revenues, you may force them to be more efficient and cost effective. And maybe that did happen at first. But now, we’re seeing potential cuts into essential services. Part of that initiative was the idea that governments would be held accountable to the taxpayers by having to go to them and ask for increases above that 1%. Okay, well now they are asking. And they’re asking for good reasons. These 2 proposed levies will ensure that certain services that make our community act and respond like a real community will be around for another 6 years. I know you’re probably keeping up to date with the pros and cons on all the websites and newspapers so I won’t go into all that here. I’m just saying that I like the good stuff we’ve got and I’m willing to chip in the few bucks it takes to keep the good stuff around. I hope you do, too. Like I’ve been saying, we can do this…together.

Keeping the Faith

2009-10-20T07:26:00.000-07:00

Over the past few weeks, whenever I get campaign frazzled, I listen to audio versions of President Obama’s books written back when he was “only” a Senator. I am definitely not an audiobook fan (though lots of people are and we have a large selection at the library) but then I heard that the President narrates his own books (that isn’t always the case) and listening to him do this could be “revelatory.” So I gave it a try. I started with The Audacity of Hope, a book I had tried in print version but just couldn’t get into. And it was true -- the audiobook was in fact a revelation. Hearing the President’s now-familiar voice relating his own campaign experiences in measured tones was at once reassuring and uplifting. Hearing his story in his own voice and in his own words renewed all that hope in me that his campaign and election ignited. Often, I would fall asleep with my iPod earbud snuggled in one ear, listening closely to the President’s calm articulateness and feel again that sense of hope in our future. If you haven’t had a chance to hear the President reading his books, I encourage you to give it a try. Like me, you just might find yourself getting inspired all over again!

Walkin' the Walk

2009-10-19T07:33:00.000-07:00

The Town is embracing wellness! At last Thursday’s meeting, the Town Council approved a resolution to support the Town staff in their Wellness Program. The Town does already have a wellness program, but this new plan will take it to the next level and is being implemented by 2 Town employees with the assistance of the Association of Washington Cities. By following this program in 2010, the Town will be eligible to apply for a Well City Award which will lead to a reduction in insurance costs. Now that’s pretty healthy news! Of course, since I’ve lost 60 pounds myself, I’m a big supporter of anything that gets you moving and gets you healthy. When people ask how I lost the weight, I admit straight out that I don’t have any magic solutions (boy, do I wish I did). Just the usual: counting calories and moderate exercise. For me, it’s walking. I first started walking for exercise in 1979! And boy did I get a lot of snickery comments back then as I cruised around our suburban neighborhood. Times sure have changed! I’ve walked in two ½ marathons and recently, one of the library staff walked a whole marathon. Hmmm. Maybe it’s time for me to step it up! In the meantime, I’m pleased to support the Town’s Wellness Program. And BTW, here’s to your health, too!

Remember to Breathe!

2009-10-18T07:33:00.000-07:00

Sundays I work at the Library. Even so, they feel like a quiet, ruminating sort of day. Maybe that dates back to my childhood when we'd head to Church then come home for our big Sunday breakfast (bacon, fried eggs, and cinnamon rolls -- I still remember) and us kids would fight over who got to read the funnies first (after Dad of course). Saturday chores would be done. Sometimes homework was waiting but you could get that done in an afternoon. By evening, there was Walt Disney to look forward to and the Sunday dessert treat (usually yellow cake or lemon meringue pie) eaten in the soft glow from the TV. Sundays still feel like that to me. Saturday market shopping is done (yes, there were farmers in the pouring rain yesterday morning), the catch-up chores from the week are tended to, and Town is quiet when I leave for work since all the kids are still asnoozin' and many merchants open late. Definitely, a catch-your-breath sort of day for me. Some things I'll be considering: a permanent location for the Farmer's Market, annexing land into Town for the new PeaceHealth critical access hospital & med center, creating a volunteer bike coordinator position for the Town. Since it is a quiet sort of Sunday, I think I'll give budget angst the day off. What's on your mind today?

Checking the Bottom Line

2009-10-17T08:41:00.000-07:00

One of the most critical management techniques when you're a bookkeeper is organization. This is especially true when audit season comes around. At the Church, we were first audited in 2004 by the financial officers from the Archdiocese of Seattle. And let me tell you -- the Audit process takes on a whole new dimension when you know the hand of God is involved! Of course, at the conclusion of that audit the Church was found to be more than solvent and my bookkeeping skills for the small but complicated business of a rural parish spread over 4 islands were lauded. It helped that years of organizing stood me in good stead with copies of this and that stapled to originals of whatnot and backed up by month after month of reconciled reports. That kind of ingrained process has stood me in good stead at each succeeding audit I've gone through: at the Home Trust, we were audited annually since we were a non-profit receiving state and federal grants; at the library we are audited every 3 years by the State since we are a junior taxing district and a public library. Audit preparation can take several weeks just gathering up folders and boxes and running reports. So it pays to have your own personal processes well in place. Prepping for an audit is actually interesting work -- seeing all that you have done come together in one (or 10) tangible box(es). Unprepping, however, is something else though -- unpacking and refiling not being favorite jobs of mine! But audits are helpful to ensure internal quality control and reassure those who have contributed financially in some way to that particular institution. Of course, it helps make the whole process way more fun when the bookkeeper gets heaped with praise...natch!

The Writing Life

2009-10-16T08:15:00.001-07:00

Growing up, I wanted to be a writer -- hence the Journalism degree. So how did I end up in bookkeeping? In 1997, I took off several months and wrote the world's worst novel. Really. Yes, I still have it and no, you cannot read it because it really is that bad! But a lot of first drafts are. What I realized then was that while I enjoyed thinking of stories and putting words together, I didn't have the fire in the belly to go through draft after draft after draft with an uncertain outcome. So that's when I bought my shop and that was the beginning of a whole new chapter in my life (like the theme there?). Back in the mid 80s, I had been working on an MBA in Accountancy which gave me a solid foundation in numbers. And helped me realize I really liked that part but didn't want to be an accountant. Over the years, being a bookkeeper has allowed me to enjoy the business part of my work while also giving me the opportunity to explore different and very creative projects. For example, my position at the library is bookkeeper, but it's also a whole lot more from helping patrons find a certain item or get on the computer to taking minutes for the Library Board of Trustees. Plus, I've found time along the way to keep at the writing life (I had a column for The Journal, wrote for a teacher's magazine, and still produce a story or poem now and then). When I sold my shop and took up the bookkeeping position at the Church, I learned first hand how satisfying it is to have your work be for the greater good. Now I get to do that from the Town Council table. I like that!

Back to Business

2009-10-15T07:31:00.000-07:00

Campaigning aside and it's back to Council business today with meetings at noon and again at 5:30. On the agenda we have scheduling a public hearing for the Farmer's Market location. I think this will be an important step in hearing from and working with the Nichols Street community that will be directly impacted by the current proposed location. A very interesting agenda item is about the proposed giant carbon filters for Town water. The idea is that these will remove the THMs in the water and finally help us meet that government standard for drinking water. A side benefit -- the water will taste fabulous! Roche Harbor has been using this technology for a while now with great results. But that brings us to another big issue on the agenda -- The Budget. The Mayor has developed a draft budget that suggests cuts like we've never seen before. I am interested in hearing more about this proposal but will be looking for creative alternatives at the same time. These are tough times but they won't be here forever. We have the opportunity to set in motion some forward thinking plans that could facilitate a bright future. We can do this...wait for it...together!

ENDORSED!

2009-10-14T07:44:00.000-07:00

The Journal endorses me! Check out The Journal's endorsement here! The Mayor of Friday Harbor also endorses me! Read the Mayor's endorsement here! WOW! Thank you! I intend to work hard to live up to that belief and support! I recall a great man recently saying that he was humbled by the acknowledgement and kudos he was getting. Well, me, too. I think I'm going to try hard to follow that lead. Like I've been saying, the future looks bright!

The Gloves are Off!

2009-10-13T07:18:00.000-07:00

Ian took this photo last night at the Chamber of Commerce Candidates Forum. It was a good warm up for tonight's League of Women Voters Candidates Forum at the middle school starting at 7 pm. Hope you can make it. Come and show your support. Voice your concerns. Ask that burning question. Of course, I won't be the only one gracing the stage. I myself am interested in learning more about the County's proposed levy lift. As a candidate and as a current town Council member, last night's meeting was helpful and I know tonight's will be even more fruitful. I heard some specific concerns and got some new ideas to take back to Council meetings. An educated candidate is a productive one! You can get more details about tonight at Ian's website. Hope to see you there!

Notes from the Campaign Trail

2009-10-12T06:59:00.000-07:00

The week I've been waiting for is finally here! Despite the fact that our voter's pamphlets still haven't arrived (we have some at the library, I think they got delivered by UPS...), the candidate forums are going ahead as scheduled. Tonight, the mayoral candidates get a chance to speak to the Chamber of Commerce at its regular monthly meeting. Then tomorrow night, all the candidates will be at the Middle School Commons from 7 to 9 pm. I'm interested myself in hearing more about the County's proposed levy lift in order to fund some critical programs, like 4-H. Then the ballots are supposed to go out by the end of this week. Wow! How'd we get there so fast? I'm excited. If you've got questions, come to one of the forums or send me an email or give me a call. Let's talk!

Town of the Big Shoulders

2009-10-11T07:39:00.000-07:00

Sunday, 7 a.m., it's still dusky outside. The weather folks are promising another day of sunshine though. I'll bet everyone gets outside for that one last long walk of the season. Or a little side juant off island. Or if they have a boat, or skiff, or dingy, or kayak, maybe the last day to get out on the water. I remember this shoulder season time from when I had my shop. After Labor Day, its like someone turned the spigot to a trickle. But there's still enough business to keep the doors open and keep your bills paid up. Especially if it was a glorious Indian Summer like this one has been. You could take long breaks sitting in the sun watching the day go by and still ring up a solid number of sales. Ahh. But by mid-October, it didn't matter how brightly the sun shone, it was like someone somewhere slammed a door shut and the tourists vanished. Our Visitors Bureau and Chamber of Commerce have both been working over the years to sustain tourism during the shoulder season with special festivals and other draws (see Artstock) but winter is still a tough sale in damp and gray Friday Harbor. But us locals tend to like it! You can find a parking space again. And you can actually see Memorial Park from the top of Spring Street for the lack of traffic. It's a balancing act and a special challenge for Town administration and oversight, however, to go from a sleepy little hamlet of about 2200 to a bustling tourist attraction of easily 5 times that! Our poor streets! Our poor water supply! Our poor taxpayers! Getting the County to partner with the Town on infrastructure needs in the future is key. It's something I've already started working on. Let's continue to work together...now.

Good Saturday

2009-10-10T08:21:00.000-07:00

I've got these lyrics stuck in my brain: "Everybody's working for the weekend!" You betcha, baby! The skies may be a little gray right now, but according to the weather gurus, they are set to clear and we'll have one more brilliant weekend. What's on tap for your Saturday? I'm heading to the Farmer's Market. We're getting down to final weekends at the Courthouse Lot and I've been hearing some concerns about the proposed permanent location that I want to learn more about. Then I'm planning on visiting a few more neighborhoods this afternoon. If I miss yours, send me an email or something, why don't ya? This evening as the chilly weather flows in, I'm planning on doing some serious couch surfing with Town Council reading materials -- prepping for next Thursday's meetings. So, like you, I've got a full Saturday...but a good one. Is every Saturday in Friday Harbor a good one? Sometimes, I think so! Really!

Good Friday

2009-10-09T08:34:00.000-07:00

I know y'all are just dyin' to know what happened during my retail therapy stint yesterday. Well, I started out at Printonyx discussing my recent locally designed mailer and other kitschy stuff with Kris. Then, given the amazing weather, I took a little detour up Sunshine Alley. I had heard a nice rumour that our street guy, Dave Smith, has been working at cleaning up the noxious ciggie butts along there -- thanks Dave! I finally ended up at Cafe Demeter. Ahh. Barley soup & fresh bread to-go for dinner. Then...I ordered chocolate. Lots of chocolate. A whole cake of chocolate! Don't tell the staff at the library --its for our next staff meeting (we'll be celebrating 3 birthdays). Plus I have an interlibrary loan book in hand titled Let Me Eat Cake so really this is just research (or continuing a theme, you pick!). Then this morning, I discover that Mr. Obama has won a little prize! WOW -- my Friday is lookin' good. Hey! When I'm out walking in Town today, give me a shout out and tell me 'bout yours! (maybe I should share some of my chocolate with the prez.......ummmm, no thank you)

Retail Therapy

2009-10-08T08:01:00.000-07:00

So by now you've probably figured out that having Ten Cannery Landing was a big deal for me. I learned so much about myself and about Friday Harbor by having that shop. And I so loved being a part of our merchant community. I still try to shop local: yesterday I was wearing a shirt from Be Chic Boutique, pants from the Second Act, and a vest from Kings Marine. I love when that happens. In fact, I love a lot of things about our Town, especially the downtown core where most of the retail action tends to happen. Selling my shop wasn't an easy decision and afterwards I shared my disappointment with my accountant. That's right, I had an accountant. Actually, he was a big-gun Seattle accountant (a hold over from my Seattle days) complete with black suit and blindingly white starched shirts. Being a great bookkeeper doesn't guarantee customers coming through the door and I was smart enough to know I needed seasoned financial help from the get-go with stuff like a business plan, tax returns, and annual financial reports for vendors and the bank. When the final tax return was sent off, John (my accountant) made a point of telling me how impressed he was by my business skills and my ability to go through the whole process of owning and running a sole proprietorship. To this day, John encourages me to pursue becoming a CPA . Interesting idea and I'd probably enjoy it (there's something so satisfying about a balanced column of numbers). But I keep getting distracted by little things like dogs and, oh yeah, local government! Hey, maybe we'll run into each other at one of our downtown stores today. I feel a sudden urge to shop!

Dog Dayz

2009-10-07T19:00:00.000-07:00

So I feel a sudden need to take a little digression to dogs. I love dogs. If you've toured my blog you probably already know that. I love dogs (did I say that already?). I mentioned in my posting yesterday my beautiful dog Joe who died in 2001 from hemangiosarcoma (a cancer of the blood vessels -- who thinks this stuff up?). I trolled through my digital photo archives this evening but I knew I wouldn't find one of Joe -- he died so long ago now. But he was my first canine love. Though I grew up with dogs, he was the first dog who loved me completely and utterly for no particular reason whatsoever. Joe was a handful, that's for sure. But he had the most beautiful heart and he believed that the sun rose and set on me. I miss that. It's one of the reasons I enjoy shop pets in Town so much! I don't have any favorites (at the moment). As long as I get to pet them, that's okay by me. Even better is if they do the leg lean/foot sit thing (you know, when they lean against your leg and end up in a puddle on your foot). Its one of the reasons I had my shop -- so I could have a shop dog! Well, I never quite managed that but dreaming's free and Joe still visits me now and then in those dreams. I hope you have a companion animal in your life -- and if you do and you've got a shop in Town, bring him (or her) in and share!

A Labor of Love

2009-10-06T15:46:00.000-07:00

When you visit the little shops around town, you learn pretty quickly that most of them are labors of love. I know mine was. My walk down memory lane yesterday caused me to go digging for photos and memorabilia from my clothing shop, Ten Cannery Landing. It brought back fond memories of all the things I loved about my shop: redecorating the interior, designing the layout of racks and displays, buying the inventory, picking out the jewelry (now that was fun). I still see women around Town wearing clothing from my shop. I myself still have a tooled leather checkbook cover from those days. All this reminiscing also brought back memories of how tough it was as a sole proprietor to balance business with personal. In the 2nd year of my shop, my beautiful dog Joe was diagnosed with a very aggressive cancer. He died shortly after I sold my shop -- that is still a sad & difficult memory. I googled "Ten Cannery Landing" this morning and found that the people who bought my shop have re-established it in Port Townsend, so it lives on! All that I learned during my shop-owner stint is precious to me. And like all my other life experiences, informs who I am and I how go into the future. I feel my Town Council position (and especially that of Mayor) takes special advantage of those unique aspects of myself, utilizing all my experiences, talents, skills, and education in a wonderful way that flavors and empowers the future for us all....together!

American Dreamin'

2009-10-05T18:18:00.000-07:00

When I was a teenager, my parents dreamed of opening their own small business. A pretty common American dream, I think. Since we lived in the midwest, this store was to be a combination of cross country ski supplies and bicycles. The parents asked us kids for our ideas of shop names and I still remember the name I came up with: Skis 'N Spokes. I was really disappointed when they didn't choose my store name (of course, I don't remember any of the other suggestions) and even more disappointed when they decided not to open the shop. But that's probably when I got bit with the small business, sole-proprietorship bug. Here in Friday Harbor, I finally got my chance when I bought Ten Cannery Landing in 1998, an upscale clothing boutique that had been around since 1981. There were many things I loved about being a shop owner in a small town: being my own boss was the big one. Being a part of the Town's merchant community was another. But there was one thing that I learned fast: it was really really hard! Getting and keeping good employees was the biggest challenge. And the quixotic-ness of the tourist culture (from ferries to weather) was another one. So in 2001, I sold my shop. That experience has made me very sympathetic to the challenges of our business community and very understanding of how much the health and well being of Friday Harbor is built on the health and well being of our small business community. I still look longingly at empty store fronts and maybe someday I'll give it another shot. In the meantime, I encourage us all to shop locally and keep it in the family!

Did they say SNOW?!

2009-10-04T07:39:00.000-07:00

On Thursday, the Town Council got its monthly update from the Department of Emergency Management. This department operates on input and direction from both (yay) the Town and the County, which when you're talking disasters is a really really good thing! Of course H1N1 is on everybody's mind and a lot of preparation has gone into being ready should this develop into a pandemic. The pharmacies are well stocked with antivirals thanks to pre-planning that allowed the Town and County to stockpile these meds (you'll need a doctor's prescription). But even on beautiful days like today, the Department is strategizing for stuff like winter preparedness. I suspect that one of the reasons I keep posting on this issue is that I'm not real good myself at keeping disaster preparation forefront in my mind when the skies are blue and the breezes balmy. Director Brendan Cowan pointed out that the last couple of winters have been rough after several mild winters so the message bears repeating. Food and water for at least 3 days (a week is better). Batteries, radios, flashlights, blankets, backup personal medications. You probably know the drill, too. Now let's go get prepared!

2009-10-03T08:23:00.000-07:00

The campaign trail starts in earnest today! I'll be out doorbelling, meeting and greeting, talking and listening. If I miss your neighborhood today, I'm always just an email or blog posting or phone call away. I've never done this before so I'm looking forward to learning lots! Voter pamphlets should be arriving in our mailboxes any day now, too! We got them at the Library on Thursday (in Spanish, too) so I've been expecting my own to arrive soon! It's pretty thick this year! Lots to read, lots to think about. The League of Women Voters Candidates Forum is scheduled for October 13th at the Middle School. That will be a chance for me to meet more folks but also a chance for me to meet the other candidates (like for Port Commissioner). Hope to see you around the neighborhood!

TGIF

2009-10-02T07:44:00.000-07:00

A post-Town Council meeting scramble sort of day for me. Lots to read. Lots to absorb and process. Lots to think about, both agenda items (like the budget) and on-going issues (like considering fire department mergers). If you see me at the market or in your neighborhood or you're at your email and you've got a minute to spare, tell me what your Town concerns are. Maybe we're thinking about the same things. And maybe we can start talking about some workable solutions!

Senator Ranker Endorses Me!

2009-10-01T06:19:00.000-07:00

I would like to voice my support of Carrie Lacher as mayor of the Town of Friday Harbor. Ms. Lacher has shown both professionalism and dedication as a current member of the Town Council. In her role on the Town Council and on the Solid Waste Advisory Committee, she has established a solid understanding of issues affecting our community. Throughout my experiences, I have been impressed with Ms. Lacher’s commitment and foresight. Her interest in revitalizing plans such as a permanent farmers market demonstrates her future visioning and passions about the Town of Friday Harbor. Ms. Lacher brings value to the community and will continue to work hard for the Friday Harbor residents. I know Ms. Lacher will be the kind of mayor we all can be proud of. Kevin Ranker, State senator40th Legislative District (Thank you, Sen. Ranker!)

Mother Nature's Daughter...

2009-09-30T06:32:00.001-07:00

Ever notice how, sometimes, leaving the island makes you want to stay home even more? Especially if its the ferry that sails off into a sunrise. Sigh. It makes me think all over again about the natural beauty we get to live with, work with, play in each and every day. Pretty amazing! I've been watching the recent PBS series on our country's National Parks and learning odd bits of information I didn't have before and realizing all over again that just on San Juan Island alone we have a national park (in 2 places), a state park, I think 4 county parks, and even green bits within the downtown core (like Memorial Park). We could make more, I'm convinced. We don't want to lose that connection to greeness, spaciousness, wildness. As Americans, it really does define who we are and who we can be as a nation. I sorta like that...especially when I have to go off-island!

Prep Work

2009-09-29T07:11:00.000-07:00

Town Council meets again this Thursday (one thing for sure about government: it doesn't seem to stop!). And I see on the agenda is one of my favorite topics: updates from all the different Town Departments. This is when we get to hear about all the good stuff our dedicated staff is doing, taking care of, thinking about, planning for. I particularly enjoy hearing from Sandy Strehlou and the Historical Preservation Committee. I've mentioned before that I find it an honor and a blessing to live so closely with our community's unique history. I've learned first hand how architecture can infuse people with a sense of self, spirit, and community. So hearing how this committee and department work to keep that critical aspect of our special Town visible for us who live here and for those who visit is always fun and interesting. Also on the agenda is an update on the waste water treatment facility. No one really likes to talk about our Town's less appealing byproducts but our Town team over there runs a beautiful, efficient operation. What we're talking about now is how we might actually improve on the good stuff we've already got going. Always a topic worth exploring!

Politicking

2009-09-28T07:35:00.000-07:00

I was introduced as a "politician" the other night. Really? I don't think of myself as a politician. I've heard politicians referred to as the bloated gladiators of our newest bloodsport. Hmm. Doesn't sound like a game I'm interested in playing. In fact, I don't think of my Town Council work as a game at all, but as community service. It is true that I am an elected official and it is true that I am currently running for Mayor, but one of the great things about being part of government in a small Town is that I live here, too. I work here, too. We see each other at the Library. We run into each other at the grocery store. We talk to each other on the street. The decisions I make as a Town Council member, the decisions I will help to facilitate as Mayor, affect not only you, but they affect me, too. That means that I will be accountable to you, of course. But I will also be accountable to myself. We are in this together. We can do this together.

Grrrl Pwr!

2009-09-27T08:06:00.000-07:00

I haven't really focused on the gender thing during my campaign because there has been so much more important stuff to talk about and think about and work on. That being said, gender is in fact a campaign issue in this Mayoral race. Not because I would be "breaking the glass ceiling" as The Journal coined it, but because my gender has informed my life, my perspective, my way of tackling a problem, a job, a project. As a woman, my first inclination is to nurture -- and that's something our Town can benefit from. As a woman, I'm going to want to know not only what you think about an issue but also how you feel about it -- critical feedback when we're dealing with complex and complicated challenges. As a woman, I'm going to want to talk about stuff -- talk with you, talk to other elected officials, talk with my colleagues in other Towns and municipalities. That kind of talking and networking can bring us new insights, creative solutions, and community activism. I do believe it is time for a change in our Town -- a good change, a positive change. Time to sweep out the cobwebs, dust out the attic, shake out the rugs, and throw open the windows to let in fresh thoughts, new dreams, big ideas. Women have been known for years to keep the home fires burning and to fashion old scraps into new cloth. I've said it before and it bears repeating: I'm so there!

Bright Lights, Big Dreams

2009-09-26T08:52:00.000-07:00

So okay, I didn't get kissed by a pig (giant pink pig Phil Anthropy has been retired) but I sure got a great big community hug at the Breakfast of Champions yesterday morning. How inspiring and exhilarating it was to celebrate all our non-profits and service organizations filling the Mullis Center dining room, all there being hosted and acknowledged by yet another organization that exists simply to do even more good. Amazing -- all these people working so hard to make a difference, every day right here at home! Some people call it paying it forward -- I call it working together -- into the future hand-in-hand we're going. Then last night, I went to the opening at our own art museum where I got to see not only original creations by 15 local artists but got to schmooze with everyone who turned out to celebrate and support our homegrown artists! This morning, I'm off in the brilliant sunshine to the beautiful Farmer's Market and tonight I'll be attending the Ag Guild's fundraiser for the Market's permanent location. Now, it could be all the great weather we've been having as we drift into Fall but, really, this is what I'm thinking: the future's so bright, I gotta wear shades!

Celebrating US!

2009-09-25T05:59:00.000-07:00

In just a little bit, I'm heading over to the Mullis Center for this year's Breakfast of Champions. That's when the San Juan Island Community Foundation will be celebrating and honoring many of the do-gooders in our community -- those organizations and persons who are working hard with a helping hand. I'm really hoping Phil Anthropy, the giant pink pig, will be there again this year handing out big hugs! All in all -- a great way to kick off a Friday and a great way to celebrate our working together to make this community extra special!

Dirty Dancin'

2009-09-24T07:15:00.000-07:00

Remember Steve Martin's Happy Feet Dance? Well, that's what I'm doing right now. Hang on a sec while I finish up...Whew, there, all done for now. What's got me so excited? The Washington State Dept. of Ecology is traveling all the way up here to our tiny little community to start helping the Solid Waste Advisory Committee revise and update the Solid Waste & Hazardous Waste Management Plan for the County. Wow! Okay, okay, super geek time here to get excited over garbage. But, hey, this visit is actually a big deal and this job is actually a big task. But its going to make us leaner, cleaner & greener and that's what its all about. And you know what else? You guessed it: more working together! Gotta love it!

SWAC gets down 'n' dirty!

2009-09-23T07:59:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow at the Solid Waste Advisory Committee meeting, we are going to jump right into the heart of it all. The Department of Ecology will be visiting to help get us started on updating the Solid Waste and Hazardous Waste Management Plan for the County. You can check out DOE's guidelines for solid waste management plans and all sorts of other resources at SWAC's webpage. As the Town Council liason to SWAC and as chair of SWAC, I'm looking forward to the Town participating in this process. Thanks to the great Public Works staff for coordinating this presentation for us. Call me geeky, but I'm actually excited about this undertaking! I expect that all the hardworking and dedicated volunteers who comprise SWAC (we have members who come all the way from Orcas and Lopez for these meetings!) will be learning a lot during this process. Hey! I call that working together!

Pounding Pavement

2009-09-22T07:16:00.000-07:00

I'm an avid pedestrian. So I love it when sidewalks go in or get improved. Since I live down on Carter, I loved the Guard Street improvement project. Plus, now kids on my side of Town actually can walk safely to school on the other side. Sure Grover Street needs some tweaking and it is on the Town Council's list of future capital improvements. But one thing I'd like to try is alternative pedestrian pathways. For example, have you ever noticed those gravel sidewalks over in Eastsound? Those would be perfect in some areas of Town, like on Tucker and up by the ball fields on upper Spring Street. They would certainly cost less to install and would be much nicer to the environment than an impermeable surface. And more bike lanes would be fantastic, too! One way to cut down on motorized traffic is to improve the walk-ability and bike-ability of our Town. I think that's a great idea. Something we can definitely work on together!

Starlight, star bright

2009-09-21T06:50:00.000-07:00

Did you see the stars last night? Wow!!! Okay, maybe you couldn't set up the Hubble telescope in your backyard, but we are often graced with incredibly beautiful night skies, even in Town. A few months ago, the Friday Harbor business community wanted to change the sign ordinance in order to allow business signs to stay lit all night even if the business was closed. Some town residents and town council members, including me, expressed concern about losing our dark night skies. Having lived in large urban areas, I deeply appreciate the awesome beauty of our night skies and have spent many evenings with binoculars scanning the heavens (yup, you can still get a thrill out of stargazing with low cost equipment). So the Town Council and Chamber of Commerce worked together on this one until we crafted what I think is a nifty compromise that hopefully will encourage business traffic during a lean economy while preserving our Town's natural beauty. Now that's working together!

Ah-choo!

2009-09-20T06:39:00.000-07:00

Those were attention getter stats Dr. James gave us the other day about H1N1 coming to our remote, little island. Common sense caution is the strategy I'm personally going with on this one. Town Council is staying informed and encouraging healthy practices. Same at the Library. We've got tissues and masks and antibacterial wipes and gels and we're encouraging those who are sick (be it staff or visitors) to stay at home. Meanwhile, it helps immensely to know that our joint San Juan Co./Town of Friday Harbor Department of Emergency Management has been working on responding to an H1N1 outbreak since last spring and they are already on high alert. These folks are always planning for the worst: pandemics, earthquakes, ferry failure, stuff like that. It sounds depressing and it isn't what most of us want to spend our time thinking about, but pre-planning like this makes sure we are ready if and when the worst should happen. There are all sorts of tips, links, and pertinent info on the Deptartment's website. And I know Director Brendan Cowan is ready and eager to come out to community groups and businesses to talk about and strategize for emergency planning, including flu prevention. Another good resource for the straight scoop is the Center for Disease Control's website. Now's the time to start planning and that starts with education. We can get through this together!

Farmer in the Rain

2009-09-19T08:46:00.000-07:00

Farmer's Market Saturday and the clouds are clearing away and the sun is shining -- literally and metaphorically. On Thursday, the Town Council reached consensus that a joint Ag Guild-Land Bank-Town partnership for a permanent farmer's market on Nichols Street was a viable project. Some of us had to admit that our dream location was elsewhere but unfortunately outside the scope of our community's abilities at this point in time. A Farmer's Market is a great economic driver, facilitating new businesses (such as Cafe Demeter that now has a permanent store front) and ensuring our food supply in times of economic crises by having local produce, meat and fish available year round. The idea of including a Visitor's Bureau/Center on this site is very exciting to me and vastly expands the scope and capabilities of this project. I am looking forward to working on this project and seeing how it grows! Great things are sure to be harvested!

Pennywatch

2009-09-18T06:24:00.000-07:00

Fridays I head up to the Catholic Church to do the bookkeeping -- something I've been doing for over 8 years now. Before that, I had my own retail shop in Friday Harbor and kept my own books between customers. For nearly 20 years, I also kept the books for a small family business managing real estate down in Seattle. Now my full time job is keeping the books for the Library. I even kept the books for San Juan Community Home Trust during my short stint as Assistant Director. Do you see a theme here? I've been doing bookkeeping for a long time now for lots of different kinds of organizations and businesses. Which is good news for you! Its the Mayor who takes the first crack at the Town's budget. And budgeting and bookkeeping and managing bottom lines is clearly my lingo. I'm comfortable in the world of numbers and good at it too. I'll make sure to keep bringing those bookkeeping and accounting skills to the Council table to help plan and ensure a fiscally sound future for all of us!

Can you hear me now?

2009-09-17T07:31:00.001-07:00

I killed my 2-month old cell phone this morning. It didn't take long. A moment of inattention and then the shocking realization that it was inside the washing machine. My spiffy red and white phone then proceeded to do all the death throes things: shaking and buzzing violently, showing strange things on its little screen, its tiny buttons blinking frantically. I finally (albeit reluctantly) put it out of its misery and yanked the battery. Good thing Joy over at San Juan Wireless gave me a call yesterday. Joy is President of the Board for the San Juan Islands Chamber of Commerce and she invited me to the candidate's forum for the Chamber in October. This will be a great opportunity for me to share my ideas and plans and excitement about our Town's future but also an equally great opportunity for me to listen to the concerns of our merchants and business owners. Plus, maybe I can get Joy to order me up a new phone!

History Lesson

2009-09-16T06:06:00.000-07:00

One of the cool things about living and working in Friday Harbor is that our history is so immediate. As I mentioned yesterday, our downtown core is one of the last intact Puget Sound waterfront communities from the 1900s. A lot of us actually live and work in historical buildings. Did you know the Library, for example, is currently housed in a building that used to be a Chinese restaurant named The Shrimp Boat? Over the past couple of years, the Library has partnered with the State Library, the Town, the Park Service, and the Historical Society to digitize some of our local history through a program called Washington Rural Heritage. This is an effort by the State Library to preserve some of the unique rural history like ours throughout the state. Last year, the Library digitized a collection of Jim Crook memorabilia. This year, the Library invited everyone to share their personal historical treasures. Over 200 items were collected, photographed, and catalogued! This new collection is called San Juan Stories and contains a wealth of local artifacts from handwritten journals to photos of Argyle Town to coffee jars to high school letter jackets! Of course, you kind find all sorts of fascinating things about the Town at the Library, including copies of the Town's most recent annual financial report and telephone books dating back to 1959. I'll borrow from the Town's Historical Preservation Manual (yes, there's a copy at the Library!) when I note: the beauty we see in the vernacular landscape is the image of our common humanity: hard work, stubborn hope, and mutual forbearance striving to be love. (J.B. Jackson) Don't you just love Our Town?!

Applause! Applause!

2009-09-15T06:00:00.000-07:00

One of the things I enjoy most about Town Council work is all that I get to learn about our Town and I gotta say: I sure am impressed with US! Really! Yesterday, I spoke with various people who are in the know about our Town's History and I learned that Friday Harbor is one of the few Puget Sound waterfront communities that has its original wooden commercial buildings still standing. Well, that alone is cool but it is also a testament to 100 years of fantastic fire department work! Yesterday, in my capacity as Town Council person, I also attended a meeting of the Housing Bank Commission that works to advise the County Council on affordable housing issues. We've been talking about and advising the County on the development of a joint Town-County housing authority. This topic is on the Town Council agenda for this Thursday and could be one way to address our community's need for a range of affordable housing options. On track for today, I will be presenting the Solid Waste Advisory Committee's recommendation for funding of the solid waste (that's garbage to you and me) management program throughout the County. Then tonight, I'll be visiting with the Town's fire department officers to learn more about our possible fire truck purchase ... that we need to protect those historical structures ... that provide us all with our unique sense of place and history. See...it's all of one piece, one community, one amazing place. We're all in this together and together we can make it work, just like our pioneer families did. All we need to do is look around to be reminded of the intricate web of who we are as a Town. As the Town's Historic Preservation Manual points out: "historic preservation is a hallmark of a livable community, providing a vision of economic and social well-being." Here, here! Here's to US...our past AND our future!

Talkin' Trash ... Again

2009-09-14T05:58:00.000-07:00

Nobody likes to talk about garbage. So we pretty it up and call it solid waste. Sorry, it's still garbage. It's still the end result of our consumer oriented society and we need to deal with it. I've been Chair of the Solid Waste Advisory Committee for almost a year now and participated on SWAC for the year before that and one thing I've learned is that the County Council doesn't really want to talk about garbage either. Okay, yes, they added a Council member to the committee at SWAC's request and that has turned out to be incredibly helpful. Even so, what SWAC has to say doesn't always get heard. Well, tomorrow I'll be presenting our funding recommendation to the County. Last Fall, after George Post presented SWAC's recommendation for the transfer station site, the Council tasked SWAC with developing a funding recommendation. I wasn't sure how an advisory committee would go about doing that and I was even more surprised when we were given an August timeline. But SWAC did it! We even reached consensus, which is never an easy thing to do. The funding structure we developed includes 4 key components: a gate fee (not including recycling), a tipping fee, a parcel fee, and a capital contribution fee from the Town. SWAC is providing dollar amounts for each of those fees in their recommendation but we were more concerned about the structure which embraces and encourages the mission of the County's Solid Waste Management Program: Reduce, Reuse and Recycle. It will take some time for the Council to discuss this issue, get staff input, and hold public hearings. But it is past time for the Council to stop treating the solid waste program as a nuisance stepchild and instead take bold, assertive action to deal effectively and appropriately with our trash.

Harvesting Dreams

2009-09-13T07:53:00.000-07:00

Could it really happen? Could a permanent Farmer's Market be just around the corner...literally? I see on our Town Council agenda for this upcoming Thursday another presentation from the Ag Guild about the Farmer's Market being located on Nichols Street and Sunshine Alley. I gotta admit that these incremental steps forward are so exciting to me. I do have my concerns about the parking issue. But as I noted at our August budget session, I don't want to have that one concern derail the entire process. This concept of a Town-Ag Guild-County Land Bank partnership to revitalize a core area of downtown is exactly the kind of creative, forward-thinking strategies we need to be implementing and incentivizing to ensure a vital economic future for our Town and our Island. I have my Farmer's Market Feasibility Study out again and I am set to reread it tonight. The proposal hinges on the Town's ability to utilize the first 2% of our Hotel and Lodging Tax as our contribution to property acquisition. I like this idea but it is times like these when I count on the expert advice of Town Attorney Don Eaton. Stay tuned to the bulletins on this project! A bright and green future is on the horizon!

A New Day

2009-09-12T08:16:00.000-07:00

Today from 12:00 to 2:00 is the ribbon cutting ceremony for San Juan Community Home Trust's 5.1 acre acquisition on the "Buck" property at the end of Grover Street. The Home Trust is inviting everyone to join in celebrating what they're calling a new era -- one with a sufficient land supply to build as many as 120 permanently affordable homes over the coming decades! The annexation of this property into the Town borders was a long and challenging decsion for the Town Council. The property includes the Home Trust's acreage for affordable homes but the total acreage was over 40 with plans for a several phased development. Wow! That could change our Town a lot. I went back and forth on this issue for a long time but what convinced me to support this development was the fact, presented by both Town and County staff, that the Town must grow and there will not be enough housing for all we need. For me, this meant filling in and going up within existing Town borders or expanding out. As I walk around every day, I enjoy what we have so far. I don't think many of us would enjoy a Town where each and every lot is built out to full capacity for that lot. That's a LOT of buildings! That's a LOT of density! I believe the future is not about stopping growth but managing growth. I believe this project provides the Town with developers who are eager to work with Town Staff to ensure proper, phased development while preserving the rural, historical tone of the Town core. The developers are a long-term island family who have emotional and deep ties to our community. They plan to include green spaces and connector trails for the public. Their commitment to low-impact development can set the bar for future Town development and help make Friday Harbor a leader in green building. Finally, the permanently affordable housing portion of the project is key to the health and well being of a future Friday Harbor. Come join in celebrating our diverse, vibrant, and sustainable future! The property can be entered at the end of Grover Street, or park along Grover Street or by the elementary school and walk in. Come celebrate!

The Right Stuff

2009-09-11T07:43:00.000-07:00

This morning I woke at 4 to this sound: a breeze in the trees...that's it....no traffic, no jets, no sirens, no factory whistles, no screeching trains or clattering buses. So my first thought of the day: what an amazing place we live in. I used to commute 100 miles...a day. I used to take 2 elevators every day just to get to my desk. I've ridden the Chicago subway/el daily. I've managed an apartment building that literally looks down into downtown I-5. I've driven through an I-405 shoot-out. But here...I walk to work regularly to a place where when it gets warm, we open the windows to marine breezes. Once, I was walking up Jensen Alley of a morning busy in my bag with my cell phone and Ipod and I happened to look up and not 20 feet from me was a buck with a full set of antlers. We both paused and watched each other until he turned lazily and walked into the brush. I've heard owls hooting at night and been able to listen to their progress through the trees around my house. I've seen foxes and harvested blackberries...in Town! Now we have another rare visitor inside our Town borders -- the Island Marble Butterfly. The recently annexed "Buck" property has been identified as one of the few places on the island where this extremely rare and thought-to-be extinct butterfly visits. I was thrilled to hear from Town Land Use Administrator Mike Bertrand that, as usual, the planner for the Bucks has been working hard to incorporate mitigation efforts to ensure the well being of this graceful visitor. What an amazing place to live! What amazing opportunities we have to be productive, thoughtful stewards of all we have been given. I'm looking forward to building on our strengths and commonalities. I'm planning for a vibrant, diverse, and sustainable future!

To Your Health

2009-09-10T06:59:00.000-07:00

Did you hear President Obama last night give his speech on health care reform? I watched the replay on C-SPAN and I have to agree that now is the time to move boldly and assertively. I think we can all agree that our health care system is broken. How best to fix it is still being hashed out. But we can agree now to keep working on this together. And we can let our voices be heard on this and other issues. That counts at the local level too. We all rely on government to get things done for us. And lately I've been hearing a local campaign charge that our local electeds aren't paying attention either. Is that really true? I know that I consider myself "just folk" doing a job as best I can when I sit at the Council table. I want to reassure you that you can always let me know your concerns for yourself, our Town, and our future. You can also contact myself and Town Council members by email. You can even come and tell the Council (and anyone watching on public access TV) whatever is on your mind during the public access portion of Council meetings. This is our community and our nation. We all have a voice. We all can step up to the table and be heard. Really. Email me. Phone me. Blog me. Facebook me. Stop me on the street when I'm walking to and from work. Talk to me at the Farmer's Market. Give a shout out in the grocery store aisles. We can do this together ... we already are!

2009-09-09T07:01:00.000-07:00

Did you hear the ferry in the harbor last night? I was in a board meeting at the Library and could still hear it. How cool is it to live in a place where the ferry is so integral to our ordinary, work-a-day lives. I’ve even written more than one poem about it (that I promise I won’t inflict on you -- though if you’ve got one to share, I’m listening!). The ferries are definitely our highway and our lifeline. Its good to know the Ferry Advisory Committee is doing its best to work in our community’s best interests when it comes to ferry issues. But we still need a bigger voice and a bigger presence in Olympia where the decisions are getting made. I think its time for your elected representatives from the Town and the County Councils to partner with other ferry served communities to make sure we get heard in a very loud and tangible way. We need a place at the table…now. I intend to pursue this critical process before our ferries become completely unaffordable and unsustainable. Stay tuned!

Check us out!

2009-09-08T07:41:00.001-07:00

Tonight is Library Board night and I get the inside scoop by taking the minutes at their monthly meetings. The Library has changed a lot from when I first worked there for a couple of years in the mid 90s. Back then, it was tough for the staff to get their hands on a computer much less for the public to get internet access. Now, the Library has 7 public computers plus 6 laptops you can check out and use in the library. Back in the day, the library wasn’t open 7 days a week either nor did it have non-stop free programs for kids and adults. These days, the library isn’t just a dusty repository for moldering books. Instead, the Library considers itself a community hub -- a resource for information and learning. The library is about free and open access to information and the people I get to work with pride themselves on helping each and every patron as best we can get the information you want. If you haven’t been in the library for a while, come and see how we’ve evolved. If you are already a regular library user, stop in today and tell me about your latest great read or new google find. Every day is a great day at the Library!

Labor Day

2009-09-07T11:07:00.000-07:00

Today is a National holiday. It is the day each year that, according to the U.S. Department of Labor, we celebrate the social and economic achievements of the American worker. The Library is closed today in honor of this holiday, so I can celebrate by lazing about. But lots of people are out there working away keeping our community up and running: firefighters (natch), deputies, hotel people, restaurant folk, grocery store clerks, doctors and nurses on call, and lots more. Hats off to all of us who work hard each and every day to make our community, our families, our futures the best they can be!

Hot Topic

2009-09-06T09:55:00.000-07:00

I've never been in a fire. Have you? When I was an intern newspaper reporter back in the day, I was on the scene to take photos of a house fire immediately after the hoses got turned off. That alone was impressive to me. I've never forgotten what I saw and experienced. No one got seriously hurt...but they should have been. Windows had exploded from the heat. Plastic had melted and run down the walls. There was only one exit out the front (past the source of the fire). The back was a sheer drop of 30 feet. The kitchen, where the fire started from a neglected electric fry cooker) was literally a pile of ash. One of my brothers was a volunteer firefighter. He was featured on the Oprah show as one of our unsung, "ordinary" heroes when he saved his neighbor and son from a BBQ grill fire. Firefighters are special. When your neighbor shows up in firefighting regalia to do battle with "the beast," that is a special kind of community service. So when we start talking about merging fire departments, we'd better be doing it for the right reasons.

In 2008, the Washington State Council of Firefighters and the Washington Fire Chiefs developed an implementation guide for regional fire authorities (RFA). This is what it says: "if you are considering an RFA simply to try to save money, or due to a funding issue; or, if you are considering an RFA to eliminate issues between fire departments (such as issues between cities and fire districts), then the RFA probably is not the answer for you. The RFA should only be used if it can be determined that combining fire departments can truly benefit the citizens that are being served. If it is not about the citizens, then don’t do it."

It's Baaaaack!

2009-09-05T09:01:00.000-07:00

It's nearly ballot time. Really! Hard not to notice these past few days, but it looks like Summer is really and truly over and Fall has boldly declared itself! Fall means school starting and ballot issues. Voter guides are already online! There's all sorts of stuff and info to find there. Of course, my picture and statement are there is full living color! But you can also get the scoop on other candidates and issues, locally and the bigger pix too. Check it out! Its interesting to learn, if you didn't already know, who among your neighbors is stepping up to the political plate! Paper guides are set to be mailed at the end of September. Not registered to vote yet? You can do that online until October 3rd. Get heard!

No go on No go

2009-09-04T07:32:00.000-07:00

Our community needs more time to learn about and comment on the NOAA's Proposed No-Go Zone for the west side of San Juan Island. Last night, the Town Council signed a letter urging NOAA to extend the October 27th deadline by 90 days and we recommended the County Council do the same. While the public comment period has been open for awhile, the majority of affected businesses have been out on the water or other wise busy making a living. Now as we enter the shoulder season, people are just starting to have the time to wade into the piles of information and formulate their responses. This issue will affect all of us in San Juan County. We are called to be responsible stewards of the beautiful environment in which we live. But we are also called to find a workable balance. I urge you to submit your thoughts on this complex issue.

Keep it up!

2009-09-03T07:42:00.000-07:00

Oops! My bad! Yesterday, I posted that the County had approved their ordinance to ban styrofoam food containers county wide. Well, I got overly excited -- because the fact is its too early to let up the heat on the County Council because what they approved was to move forward with drafting an ordinance to implement such a ban. They will still need to get that draft back from their staff, review it and then hold a public hearing. So we can't let up the pressure now. The Town led the way on this one. The County has a copy of our draft ordinance in their hands which they merely need to tweak into county-applicable language. This shouldn't take long. Well, it shouldn't but it could if we let it slide off their radar. We're almost there, let's make sure it gets done!

Good news!

2009-09-02T06:53:00.000-07:00

Yay! The County Council approved taking the styrofoam food container ban to a the draft ordinance stage yesterday. I am proud and pleased to report that the Town led the way towards establishing a workable County-wide ordinance and at our Joint meeting yesterday, I made sure to highlight the issue. Some concern was expressed by County Council about enforceability and, to be frank, I had the same concern too when the Anti-Litter Initiative brought this to the Town Council. Here's how I got that resolved: 1) many members of the business community started doing this voluntarily awhile ago and a convincing factor for me is that Kings Market was one of them, 2) the Town rewrote the proposed ordinance to include a stepped infraction procedure so that an educational aspect was introduced, 3) this is a community enforceable ordinance meaning we're all going to be watching out for the enviornment and ourselves and, 4) maybe most importantly, we are beyond the time for warm and fuzzy on many environmental issues. Our marine environment is fragile and stressed. It also is one of the reasons we all live here and a huge driver for our economy. So good stewardship is up to us -- all of us. This Ban is a bold and assertive way to ensure we are doing just that!

Two-fer-one

2009-09-01T08:13:00.000-07:00

At noon today, the Town and County Councils will meet for one of our quarterly joint meetings. Agenda topics include discussion of the proposed NOAA No-Go zone for the westside of SJ Island and the Town's styrofoam food container ban. It's also a good time to start talking about joint budgeting issues such as summer ferry traffic control. Did you know that the first few minutes of every Town and County Council meeting are available for public comment on non-agenda items? Have something you want us or your fellow residents to know about? Come & tell us!

Your Money

2009-08-31T07:41:00.000-07:00

Town Council members seem to spend a lot of time talking about money -- and I guess we should. It is one of the most important things we've been elected by you to do -- watch over how your -- our -- money is spent. And Fall is budget planning season so I've been thinking about money even more lately. My priority is the health and welfare of the public. So I'm going to be prioritizing sheriff, fire, and water safety. But what do you think? We've got that scary pandemic possibility facing us. And we've got those neighborhood roads to take care of. We've got cars to get off the ferries and ferries to keep going back and forth. We've got cars and kids and walkers and bikers sharing streets. Whew. What are your priorities? What are your concerns? At our joint Town/County Council meeting tomorrow, I'll be sure the point is raised that the Town and County need to be working together to plan our budgets well to ensure we are all taken care of as best we can with what we've got.

New Truck Time

2009-08-30T07:22:00.000-07:00

Our Town Fire Department is mostly volunteers and if you have ever seen them in action, it is a pretty amazing thing -- to see your neighbor, your friend, put their life on the line to keep our community safe -- wow! One thing I can do as a Town Council member to support them is to make sure they have the equipment they need to keep you and me safe, sure, but to keep themselves safe, too. That means we need a new truck. Not a high frills truck, but a good solid truck to do the job of fighting urban fires and get our firefighters back home safe. A new truck is a solid investment in the safety and security of all of us who live, work, and play in Friday Harbor!

On a Wing & a Prayer

2009-08-29T09:09:00.000-07:00

Town living is just so awesome -- I can't think of a better word. See those little black splotches on the tv aerial in the photo? Those are barnswallows! In the downtown core!! This is such an emblematic photo of Town life -- a cloudless blue sky, high tech access, a congregation of local wildlife. It just sort of makes my whole soul open up in such a gracious way. I spent part of my early childhood growing up in Des Moines just south of Seattle. Back then, Des Moines was considered and actually was very, very rural (now its all about SeaTac) and one of my fondest memories is the sweet dusty scent of ripe blackberries in the summer sun. We've even got those, lots and lots of those in Town. Its all here. Really. I'm enjoying childhood flashbacks, living a wonderful present and envisioning an amazing future all right here in Friday Harbor, Our Town. What do you see?

Yay for SWAC!

2009-08-28T08:16:00.000-07:00

Consensus! What a great feeling! Yesterday, the Solid Waste Advisory Committee agreed on a funding recommendation to the County Council which is to be presented on September 15th. This is a 4 part rate structure based on a "gate" fee (recycling excluded), a parcel fee (with undeveloped parcels at a reduced rate), a Town capital contribution fee, and a tipping fee which includes a $20 surcharge to go to specific reduce/reuse/recycle programs. Congratulations to our Committee members for their hard work! ::::::::::::confetti::::::::::::::::::

Talkin' Trash

2009-08-27T07:12:00.000-07:00

This year, I get to chair the Solid Waste Advisory Committee and we are having our monthly meeting today. Major topic: a funding solution for the solid waste program. We've made excellent progress with the brief timeline the County Council has given us and we're very close to making a recommendation. I am hoping today we will finalize the model we have been working with that is based on a multiple tiered structure. We'll start our meeting at 11:30 am in the Large Conference Room at the County Building. Other topics to be addressed include beginning to revamp the Solid Waste Management Program Plan -- another big task. Topics I'd personally like to address are such things as bringing metal recycling back to the current Transfer Station and increasing recycling in Town.

Sitting in the Dark

2009-08-26T07:34:00.000-07:00

Well, it didn't last for long yesterday and it was in the middle of a sunny day, but nonetheless, when the power goes out our joint San Juan Co./Town of Friday Harbor Department of Emergency Management goes into high alert. These folks are always planning for the worst: pandemics, earthquakes, ferry failure, stuff like that. It sounds depressing and it isn't what most of us want to spend our time thinking about, but pre-planning like this makes sure we are ready if and when the worst should happen. With the end of summer already on us (sorry I have to be the one to tell you that!), everyone is starting to gear up for the return of the H1N1 virus (swine flu to you and me). The Dept. of EM has been working on this since the outbreak this past winter. Its a relief to know that even on the sunniest of days in beautiful bucolic Friday Harbor, we've got a whole department dedicated to keeping things going in the worst of circumstances. There are all sorts of tips, links, and pertinent info on their website. And I know Director Brendan Cowan is ready and eager to come out to community groups and businesses to talk about and strategize for emergency planning. At the Library, Brendan has been helping update the emergency management plan including an evacuation route. Seems kinda silly to think about things like that in our small library and in our small Town. But it pays to plan and plan well. Now's the time to check out your emergency preparedness....I think I've got some canned food around, now where's the opener.....

Revisiting Roundabouts

2009-08-25T08:20:00.000-07:00

Traffic is certainly a big issue for our small Town. Especially during the high tourist season with ferry traffic flowing (or tyring to) right up Spring Street. But even during the "slow" time of year, we've got our mini-traffic jams (when school lets out) and our delayed wait times (ever get stuck at the intersection of Mullis and Spring?). Lots of ideas have been discussed over the years. Some of them fanciful, some of them straight forward. Some we've tried have worked pretty well (major arterial upgrades have been great except perhaps for the lack of bicycle lanes) and others leave us all kind of scratching our heads (the bump out on Caines Street for example). I even recall some drawings that turned Sunken Park into a kind of underground loading tunnel for the ferries so the surface streets could be utilized by regular traffic and ferry traffic would be less of an issue. Well, given the current economic situation locally and state wide, nothing grandiose like that is going to happen anytime soon. We've struggled through a summer (almost) of reduced traffic control without a disaster but Town, County and Washington State Ferries need some serious budget planning for the 2010 summer traffic. In the meantime, let's start dreaming .... and I pick roundabouts. We actually have 2 in Town already. The one in the photo above is in front of the Port (I like the drought tolerant, native sort of low-key landscaping) and the other (in the photo below) incorporates Memorial Park at the bottom of Spring Street. Past Town Councils have considered one at the intersection of Argyle and Spring and now that I've experienced the new one in Anacortes and several smaller new ones in the Skagit Flats area, I'm thinking this just might be a good long term solution. There are lots of ways to build a roundabout to protect pedestrians and increase traffic flow (and make sure big things like firetrucks can get over it in a hurry). Next time you're off island, see what you think of the roundabouts in the area and how they might work for our Town. It is critical that we implement solid, long-term solutions that enhance our Town not just for us but also for future generations. Let me know what you think.

About that Aquarium

2009-08-23T19:43:00.000-07:00

Mike Kaill and Sandy Harold were instrumental in helping the Port of Friday Harbor establish its awesome aquarium down at the end of the public pier at the bottom of Spring Street. You can even see the beautiful community mural coordinated by Chinmayo in this photo. Unfortunately, some of the marine animals have lately been dying off in the aquarium. Mike got concerned about surfactants (detergents) in the water being pumped up into the aquarium from the bay. He started monitoring the stormwater runoff and then worked closely with Town Administrator King Fitch and our great street guys to track down some problem sources which have since been fixed. But things are still amiss in the tank. Mike continues to monitor the situation and so do our Town guys. Hopefully, we'll be able to figure out what the problem is. But stormwater runoff throughout the County is a growing issue. One solution is for charity carwashes to use special inserts in the drains to protect detergent runoff from going into the Bay. Our Harbor is fragile and it is up to all of us to figure out how best to take care of it now and for future generations. This is definitely an issue tailor made for cooperation between Town, County, and Port. To wrap up on a positive note, here's another shot of that awesome tile mural.

100 Years and Counting

2009-08-22T17:03:00.001-07:00

This whole year has been the 100th birthday celebration for the Town of Friday Harbor. Yay! One of the Centennial sanctioned projects is a long term public mural installation being coordinated by Chinmayo. The plan is for a series of historical vignettes to be done in tile and then installed on that long concrete back wall of the Earthbox Motel on Blair Street (this wall has recently been painted a soothing gray). Chin has applied for a grant from the SJI Community Foundation and anyone can come and help with the project for a nominal donation. I, for one, think this is a fantastic idea! Chin has already masterminded other fabulous public tile art around Town (like at the Port's aquarium and up at the entrance to the Fairgrounds). When completed, this montage of Town history should prove to be an entrancing community project with huge draw for tourists and adding a wonderful beautification aspect to that stretch of Blair. The Centennial Mural is happening over on Malcom Street in the Surina Business Park. Go check it out. And stay and do a tile while you're there! You can also keep up to date on the progress of the mural by getting on Chin's email list: centennialmural@yahoo.com.

Ouch!

2009-08-21T16:16:00.000-07:00

So as I was lying in the dental chair this afternoon (don't ask) for nearly 2 hours (sympathy gladly accepted) thinking about how wondeful it is to live in a world of modern medicine and up-to-date dental techniques, even in remote and rural Friday Harbor. Each time I have big time dental work done (plz, again, don't ask), I tend to have replays in my mind's eye from grainy westerns of big men tossing well meaning dentists through plate glass windows. Instead, I get to be well taken care of and reassured in a nice comfy office with windows open to tree scapes and cool breezes. And often I'm even handed a new dental toy (toothbrush, floss, etc.) on the way out the door. What a relief! What a boon! And not only do we have medical facilities available 24/7 here in Town, we may soon have an entire urgent care facility -- things are looking good for that to take place with our Island's Hospital District and PeaceHealth. I know there are some hurdles and possible bumps in that road, but I've got a lot of confidence in PeaceHealth and their track record in uniquely rural communities such as ours (80 successful years in Ketchikan for example). So its good to be in our small Town when you've got a medical or dental need. Now dental insurance? Well, maybe that's a topic for another day!

Dollars & Sense

2009-08-20T20:59:00.000-07:00

Okay, so tonight we spent an extra 2 hours at Town Council taking a first look at the 2010 budget for the Town -- lemme tell ya -- that wasn't a whole lot of fun. As Councilmember Brooks pointed out, last year we cut out a lot of fluff so this year, we're cutting deeper towards the bone. Ouch. I argued hard for a moratorium on utility rate increases but the rest of the Council was concerned, and rightly so, about making sure the Town has enough money to plan well for future needs (such as making sure there is enough water for town residents). The argument was made that the Town is in the black right now because it has been fiscally prudent over the years and has resisted going into debt as much as possible to pay for some big ticket needs. This is true, but I'm still going to be encouraging us Councilmembers to be looking for creative ways to address our increasing budget demands. We did do one fun thing, I will admit, and that was to hear a presentation about a permanent location for the Farmer's Market. We all agreed this is a critical component of a vibrant economic future.

Love Our Ferries!

2009-08-19T22:04:00.000-07:00

Whadda we gonna do about our ferries? How are we going to keep this system sustainable? We need our ferries. Costs keep going up. Boats keep breaking down (and rusting). And we're just a pretty small voice in a big struggling system. Okay, one thing we can do -- make our voice bigger. The Town could possibly help in this effort in 2 ways -- one, make sure a Town Council person is part of the Ferry Advisory Committee to the County Council. And two, be part of a grassroots effort to join up with other ferry dependent communities to establish a strong, ferry sensitive political base to keep the pressure on. That's what will help to keep ferries on the Olympia radar. And that will help to get our beleagured ferries the attention and funding source that they need!

Face Paint

2009-08-17T20:03:00.000-07:00

I love it when old buildings around Town get all spiffed up. Look at what Island Gardens is busy doing with their spot on Guard Street. After the Guard Street improvement project got finished, they relocated their fabulous Tom Small sculpture closer to the street. Wow! How cool is that?! And started me thinking once again about more art in more public places. Then they added lovely gardening stuff (natch) along the sidewalk (thank you very much for sharing!). Now, they're busy getting the building painted a rich red with green trim. Oh boy! What a joy to walk through Town and see these lovingly restored buildings and homes. Did you know that there is a whole website dedicated to historical Friday Harbor? It has all sorts of cool information including the historical preservation guideines. Check it out -- that's right, we've even got it at the Library!

Do You Feel Secure Yet?

2009-08-16T18:05:00.001-07:00

The Department of Homeland Security has initiated discussion as part of a planned 4-year review process and I got invited to the table! I'll be in Seattle Wednesday for a roundtable discussion regarding border issues such as check point policy and racial profiling. Remember the whole random checks thing and the disappearing people at the Anacortes ferry terminal about a year and a half ago? Maybe there are a few things we'd like to remind them about -- like common courtesy, the importance of tourism, and a little thing called the Bill of Rights...just to name a few! You can read more about the "Quadrennial Review" at the Homeland Security website. And I'm always interested in your thoughts on this issue!

Bye-Bye

2009-08-16T07:14:00.001-07:00

The Fair is over for another year. Don't forget to pick up your exhibit today. I was able to get there at least once every day -- those season passes for exhibitors are a pretty good deal . What a great location! What a fantastic facility! It is on the docket for the County Council to make its zoning permanently "Fairgrounds" -- an essential public facility. Right now, the Fairgrounds operates with a conditional use permit. Yes! Let's make it permanent. And while I've been musing about locating the permanent Farmer's Market up at the Fairgrounds, another fantastic location could be the old Browne's lumber spot on Sprint Street -- wouldn't that be a wonderful public-private/county-town-ag guild sort of partnership? Can you envision it? A Farmer's Market including local crafts, a county park/restroom facility, Town parking (including paid long term parking?). Think about!

A Different Kind of Merger?

2009-08-15T09:04:00.001-07:00

Saturday during the summer means mornings at the Farmer's Market -- even during the Fair! At 11, I'll be back at the Fair at the Administrative Gate (that's the one on Dougherty Lane) selling tickets so if you come to the Fair this morning, make sure to stop and say hey! And here's a thought: what if the Farmer's Market sets up its permanent location at the Fairgrounds? Hmmmmmm. I know the Farmer's Market folks have been considering a place over on Nichols St. -- that might work and has some major perks (revitalization of the downtown core, reclaimation of a historic building, to name but a few), but I've been lately thinking of maybe utilizing the Fair Grounds for this project. A little out of the core but maybe a location worthy of consideration. What do you think?

Signs of the Times

2009-08-14T11:08:00.000-07:00

NO LAWN SIGNS! I've invited my opponent in the mayoral race to join me in a NO LAWN SIGN - NO BUSINESS SIGN campaign. First of all because they create such a feeling of divisiveness and in such a small, tight-knit community as Friday Harbor, who among us really wants to choose sides? Secondly, because it distracts from businesses -- a customer should freely choose where they want to go and what they want to buy and not be hesitant based on what political sign is in the window. We need to bolster our merchants not make them secondary. Third, the whole lawn sign thing has been such a contentious issue in the past with signs getting stolen, defaced, moved, etc. etc. Let's keep the focus on the issues -- meeting our challenges boldly to ensure a strong, vibrant, future for our fantastic community! And finally (but not least) its just bad for the environment -- litter, running ink, metal stakes left to rust, yada yada yada. Our fragile environment is such an integral part of our community -- why we live here, why others want to visit here. And we do whatever we can, whenever we can in order to be good stewards of that (note: see my post about Styrofoam ban). So, let's work together on supporting my NO LAWN SIGN campaign and let's keep our eyes on the prize -- a beautiful Friday Harbor!

Grrrrl Power!

2009-08-13T06:51:00.000-07:00

First question at my interview at The Journal booth yesterday: if elected Mayor of Friday Harbor, you would be the first woman mayor in its 100 year history -- is that an important part of your campaign? Yeah, you betcha, baby! I'm not your typical candidate -- I have a pink collar job, I live in affordable housing, I'm a woman. That means I can represent MORE of us better AND I'm going to work harder at consensus building AND I'll listen better. And talk about a role model for young girls and teens! I'm so there! By the way, that's a photo of Carrie Nation. Cuz of my name, I've been called Carrie Nation all my life. Well, I may not be bashing open liquor barrels, but I will be bashing open bad ideas, strategies, and techniques that don't work anymore! Our Town has got a great future ahead of us and we're going to go there boldly -- together! BTW -- I'm back at the Fair today. Library Booth 12:30 to 3:00. Town Booth 3:30 to 5. Stop by and say -- hey, you've come a long way, baby!!

Block Party!

2009-08-12T07:34:00.000-07:00

Fair opens today! I'll be at The Journal booth at noon for a mini-candidate forum. Then I'll be at the Library booth from 12:30 to 3:30. We have a great Jeopardy game for you to play this year. Come and test your local knowledge and win your free Mardi Gras beads! Meet me at the Fair!

Meet me at the Fair!

2009-08-11T07:28:00.000-07:00

It's that time! Get your entry in today! I'll be at the Fair every day so I'm sure to see you there. First up for me: mini candidate forum at The Journal booth at noon tomorrow. Bring your questions! Get the scoop here!

Stormwater

2009-08-10T07:38:00.000-07:00

It's oh so wonderful to hear summer rain! But where does it all go? In Town, we have a challenge with all our impervious surfaces. Last night, I was reading through the stormwater section of the Utility Rate Study for the Town again (now there's a document to make your head hurt). For a single family residence, monthly stormwater rates in Town are currently $10.25 per month and going up. Here's a thought: what if we join up with the County on stormwater costs and management? Of course that means that the Town stormwater system would be managed by the County's Public Works Department and our stormwater projects would be scheduled based on their priority ranking. Hmmm....Would the benefits outweigh yielding our management control? I'm not at all sure, but in the face of rising costs it might just be something to revisit...

Raindrops

2009-08-09T06:44:00.000-07:00

Did it really rain last night? The ferry horn woke me this morning which usually means fog. And I see the pavement out front of the house is damp but I'm not sure it actually was enough moisture to penetrate the ground. Hmm. No matter. The leaves and plants and birdies and whatnot I'm sure appreciate moisture accumulation wherever. And the Town's reservoir level is doing pretty well despite the little heat wave we had and the lack of significant rain. Summer always puts a strain on our system, but thanks to our great crew, things are flowing right along! Thanks, guys!

Chillin'

2009-08-08T09:00:00.000-07:00

Its cool, its gray, its misting....ah, Summer in the Pacific Northwest! A perfect day to kick back (well, just a little), eat a little nosh from the Market and check out the Library's community calendar for something different to do. Like tonight, local author and park ranger Mike Vouri takes another look at the Pig War (no that's not a photo of Mike that's General Pickett but notice how the colors coordinate with the weather outside!). There will even be a little reception afterwards. His talk starts at 7:00 pm in front of the Library's fireplace and is part of the sesquicentennial celebration of the Pig War -- a little dust up that resulted in our Island having not one but TWO totally amazing drop dead gorgeous National Parks AND an enduring quirky, totally unique island history! How's that for a quiet little Saturday? I think its time to get up to the Farmer's Market for a fresh cuppa...see ya there!

The fix

2009-08-07T07:36:00.000-07:00

Let's just say it: we've got streets that are falling apart and no identified money to fix them. That's bad. Fellow Councilmember Noel Monin said it best: If there's a budget flaw, let's fix it. Town Council has a budget workshop coming up to begin strategizing for next year's budget. I want us to spend part of that time brainstorming a budget fix: some way to get funds to fix non-arterial streets. Spruce Street is one. But there are others. Ideas from you?

More Street Talk

2009-08-06T07:34:00.000-07:00

On the agenda tonight, two Town streets issues: One is a home owner who would like to put in a driveway on this portion of Guard Street. Town Council has considered this before but is worried about safety. The other topic is a presentation by the Evergreen subdivision. That's the one across from the Fair grounds. They've had some serious deterioration of their neighborhood streets over the years. The Town has done patch jobs but it sounds like they might have an idea for a more permanent solution. I'm all for creative solutions that really do help so I'm looking forward to learning more...on both topics! See ya there!

Eating Right

2009-08-05T06:30:00.000-07:00

On the evening agenda for Town Council tomorrow: consideration of a ban on those white foam food containers. The Anti-Litter Initiative people have been working on this proposal for a while as one way to help protect our stressed marine environmnent. You can read their proposed ordinance and attend the public hearing scheduled for 5:55 pm Thursday night.

Dollars & Sense

2009-08-04T07:00:00.000-07:00

Even though we all love living in Town, for most of us, when that utility bill comes in the mail (like the new ones did the other day) its a little bit of a reality check! Creative solutions are definitely needed. Its one of the big reasons I was in support of the Buck annexation at the southeast corner of Town. Their proposal to develop a cutting edge system of dealing with sewer needs for that new neighborhood is exciting and may be one way to move our Town securely into an affordable future for all of us. Is our glass half full or are we already running on empty? Let me know what you think....

Going in Circles

2009-08-03T08:16:00.000-07:00

Town Council has, over the years, considered solutions to the intersection of Argyle and Spring. One possibility is a round-about. Have you been through the brand new one in Anacortes yet? I got a pix of it last time I did the off-island thing. Its their new intersection of Commercial Ave. & the Hwy 20 spur. Looks pretty snazzy, don't ya think? Ours wouldn't need to be so big and perhaps it could be the kind fire and other large trucks could drive over if need be. Hmmm. Definitely food for thought.....

Check it Out!

2009-08-02T08:08:00.001-07:00

I work at the SJI Library, primarily as the bookkeeper, and Sundays typically start my work week. Did you know the Library has great reference materials about the Town? Such as the Town's Comprehensive Plan and the Town's Annual Reports. There are also timely postings for such things as Public Hearings. The Library also has a Local Interest collection where you can find all sorts of cool and esoteric things such as old Town phone books, Rick Galer's new book on the 100 years of the Town's fire department, and Mike and Julia Vouri's newest book filled with images from the fascinating history of Friday Harbor. Come in and check it out! And when you do, stop at the front desk (yup, I get to do that librarian helping stuff too) and say Hey!

Farmer's Market Today

2009-08-01T09:52:00.000-07:00

That's where I'm headed! I started to list all the fabulous food and crafts and music you can find at the Market and realized I couldn't list them all. You just gotta come: 10 am to 1 pm in the Courthouse parking lot. Finding and developing a permanent location is a key component of a vital economic future not just for farmers but for all of our entire local and regional community. That's US!