Group seeks new form of county government

A citizens group calling themselves “Islanders for a New Charter Government” has met with individual members of the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) to request that the Board place an initiative on the November ballot that will ask voters to consider revising the structure of county government so that it is “more responsive, accountable, and efficient.” If the voters agree, they will at the same time select between 15 and 25 fellow citizens from all areas of the county, known as freeholders, to draft a new charter that will propose changes. The draft would then be submitted to voters for their approval.

According to Cathy Cavanagh, spokesperson for the group, “The complex and multi-dimensional demands of our current environment are not being served as well as they might under the current structure. All we are asking for is the opportunity to have the conversation about how we can improve the processes of government. We know we can do better,” spokesperson Cathy Cavanagh continued.

The Washington State Constitution allows counties the flexibility to organize themselves according to a variety of models. In some, department head positions are appointed rather than elected. Only the Prosecuting Attorney and the judiciary must remain elected positions. “However,” Cavanagh added, “our purpose is not to propose a particular model but to allow the freeholders with input from county residents to sift through alternatives and come up with one that meets voter approval.” Washington State law requires a number of public forums through which voters can voice their ideas before the draft charter is presented for adoption.

County voters have twice had the opportunity to vote on a new charter but rejected it. The last attempt in 1983 was made at a time when the county had far fewer residents, land values were significantly less, and the needs of a growing population were not as demanding as they are today. There are currently multiple elected officials in San Juan County with their reporting lines to the commissioners often obscure or confused. In addition, there is little separation in the powers of local government, with the BOCC dealing with administrative, legislative, and judicial functions.

There are two ways a proposal to draft a new charter can get on the ballot: either by the commissioners placing it themselves, or through a petition process in which 10 percent of the voters in the last election place it themselves. “Obviously we’re hoping that the commissioners will make it easy for us to get it on the ballot,” Cavanagh said. If not, she said the group is willing to go to the petition process.

“Taking a new look at local government is a great civic exercise, and one which we believe will yield a quality result for everyone who lives here. The State gives us the opportunity to do it, and there is every reason to take advantage of both the right and the power.”

Islanders for a New Charter Government will soon have a website through which county residents can receive updates, information, and provide input. The URL is (www.sjcgoodgovernment.org).

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