Auditor looking for writers to pen arguments against seven local measures

Submitted by F. Milene Henley

San Juan County Auditor

Do you love a good argument? Then your County needs you!

This November, there will be seven local measures on the general election ballot. Those measures are:

Lopez Island Library Levy Lid Lift

Shaw Park & Recreation District Formation

Shaw Park & Recreation District Authorization for Excess Levy

Lopez Solid Waste Disposal District Excess Property Tax Levy

San Juan County Charter Amendment to Authorize Biennial Budgeting

San Juan County Levy Lid Lift

Initiative 2019-9 regarding Operation of Vessels in Proximity to Southern Resident Killer Whales

In order to ensure an informed electorate, every district that puts a measure on a ballot is required to appoint committees to write arguments both supporting and opposing the measure. If a district is unable to appoint committees, that responsibility falls to the County Auditor.

Not surprisingly, sponsors of all seven measures have appointed committees to write “pro” arguments. None have appointed committees to write “con” arguments. To ensure that all viewpoints are represented, the County Auditor is inviting interested persons to contact the Elections Office if you wish to take the opposing position on any of the proposed measures.

Copies of the resolutions to place the measures on the ballot, as well as Ballot Titles and Explanatory Statements of each measure, are available on request. For copies, or to express an interest in writing an argument, please contact the Elections Office at elections@sanjuanco.com, or (360) 378-3357, by Friday, August 16. Up to three people (per measure) may be named as argument writers, though they may seek the assistance of as many people as needed. Statements are limited to 250 words.