I’ve been attending Port of Orcas Commission meetings for the past 18 months, carefully reading all related public documents and requesting public records. Just as with the ORS/The Exchange public effort, where I was on the board for seven years, The Port of Orcas Master Plan challenge is of vital importance to the future of our beloved island. Our involvement at this critical juncture is required.

Several months ago I attended a meeting where approval of the master plan was on the agenda. Unfortunately, there were only two people from the public present because there was woefully insufficient public notice of this meeting or agenda. The commissioners did the right thing and tabled the Master Plan vote to their next meeting.

At that meeting, there were 30 to 40 citizens present. Many eloquently expressed their valid concerns about the master plan presented. The commissioners listened and then without much if any discussion voted unanimously to approve the plan as presented by DOWL (the $600,000+ consultant hired by the port.) I found this astonishing, and somewhat arrogant. The majority of those voting had been appointed to their position within the recent weeks or months, yet chose to follow this path.

It is on this basis that I will not vote for any of the sitting commissioners, and ask you to join me in electing a new port commission. Michael Triplett is a pilot and an excellent candidate. Pierette Guimond has proved herself an honest community servant, has attended numerous commission meetings, and is also worthy of your vote.

I will vote neither for Bea Von Tobel nor Gary Abood, because Bea voted approval and Gary dropped in early to the meeting in question specifically to urge each commissioner individually to “get it over with and vote it in.”

We have another choice to make, between Greg Ayers and Mia Kartiganer. I find Greg Ayers’ website and public comments to be vague, full of buzz words and generally seeming to lack specific knowledge of the issues and plans on the table. Mia Kartiganer has a diverse background of accountability, has attended port meetings and researched the issues, and has the humility, creativity and apparent backbone to meet this community challenge well. I invite you to join me in voting for a new and improved port commission.

Susan Malins

Orcas Island