OPINION

Of all the letters to the editor we have received over the past month regarding the race between Bob Myhr and Jamie Stephens, two have effectively demonstrated why making a selection is so difficult.

One letter, from Wayne and Kiki Martin of Lopez Island, made the compelling case for Stephens (See Sounder, Aug.31). They wrote, "We have two good candidates for County Commissioner, but they have very different backgrounds. Jamie Stephens has focused on family and community while Bob Myhr has focused on land use and the environment. The problem for Bob is that we already have two strong environmentalists on the board. We don’t really need a third and perhaps we shouldn't have a third. In addition to its natural beauty, this is a county with schools, families, drugs and jobs."

But Kerwin Johnson of San Juan Island made an equally compelling case for Myhr (See Sounder, Sept. 14). He wrote, "The primary reason that I am supporting Bob Myhr for county commissioner (is) the lack of leadership on the board. I have known Bob for several years professionally and find him to be knowledgeable, compassionate, thoughtful, and inquisitive in our dealings. Bob is not afraid to ask a question in order that he gets a clearer understanding of all sides of a situation or issue. With these traits Bob would bring to the Board of County Commissioners what it seems to be lacking - the ability to discuss issues openly and reach a consensus."

Even though the Martins and Johnson are backing different candidates, they have correctly identified deficiencies within the current commission that need to be addressed.

They also pointed out the dilemma voters are having to face when casting their ballots in this September primary of the Democratic Party. The current commission is not ideologically balanced, and it could do a much better job administering the bureaucracy.

Then what is a voter to do? The Sounder endorses Stephens, but with the hope that local citizens will approve the basic charter in November and therefore require the commission to hire a county manager. We realize that scenario is based on assumptions that won't be known when islanders cast their ballots in the September primary.

For now, however, let's look at the bright side. No matter who wins the election, county government will improve.

Eastsound UGA still may need a little more work

We agree that the proposed Urban Growth Area for Eastsound is an enormous improvement over previous plans that were rejected by the Western Washington Growth Management Hearings Board. San Juan County Senior Planner Martin Blackman deserves to be commended for the terrific job he did soliciting community opinion, then crafting a document which incorporates the input of local people.

Nevertheless, there is cause for concern that the UGA won't be able to provide enough land and incentives for much needed affordable housing, and that the plan will be out of compliance with the state's Growth Management Act guidelines.

Therefore, the portion of the plan dealing with affordable housing may have to be corrected before final approval is obtained, and we were encouraged to hear that Planning Commissioner Barbara Thomas recognizes this fact.

One gets the feeling that we that are oh, so close to submitting a plan that will be found to be in compliance with the Growth Management Act.

The Sounder appeals to the San Juan County Planning Commission to solve whatever lingering issues that still must be addressed. This process has gone on too long. It would be little short of tragic if it is found to be out of compliance, meaning that it has to be repeated still another time.

We appeal to the planning commissioners to get it right, even if it requires them to put in a little more time reviewing the plan, doing a little more research, then tweaking the proposed boundaries.

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