More strong leadership, and local representation, not less | Letter

Published 10:37 am Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Over the past three years we have spent hours observing council meetings and we are as frustrated as others by the members’ inability to take decisive action on local issues that impact us all.  We have asked ourselves, “Is it the Home Rule Charter or the people involved?”

Our conclusion is “the problem” is a holdover of the ways of the previous three commissioners and refusal to relinquish power to the new administrator.  Consequently, they never implemented the structure or the intent of the HRC.  To add to this, our first administrator (hired by Senator Ranker and Councilmen Lichter and Myhr) was weak and ineffective. This was not a fair test of the intent of the Home Rule Charter.  Moreover, the council has never let go of the former commissioners’ propensity to micro-manage.

We are not in favor of electing candidates countywide. While it would be the intent of the three to represent all residents, we have seen time and again that each council person makes their decisions based upon the benefit of those to whom they answer. Just imagine the Lopez councilman having voted to allow cell sites on Lopez?

To add to this are our concerns about the high cost of campaigning countywide (estimated to be in the neighborhood of $40,000).  We believe these costs will further erode the non-partisan intent of the HRC and encourage candidates to accept campaign funding from political parties and special interest groups, from within and outside the county.

Let’s look at the bright side. Nov. 6 represents an opportunity to elect half of the council as new members, and hire a well-qualified administrator. It is time they/we citizens insist upon following the HRC, as written.

Vote No on Proposition 1 and 2 and elect three new council members and hire a strong administrator!

We need strong leadership, and local representation, not less.

Jane and Dave Cable

San Juan Island