By STAN MATTHEWS

County Communications Program Manager

Second District Congressman Rick Larsen forwarded a list of questions to U.S. Border Patrol Chief David Aguilar on Thursday as a follow up to a briefing he received in March about the Border Checkpoint at the Anacortes Terminal.

The questions seek specific information about the effectiveness of the stops, other steps they are taking to protect national security and how it is going to accommodate the flood of summer ferry traffic without adversely affecting the county’s economy.

The stops at the ferry terminal have created a controversy among ferry riders and islanders, many of whom complain that they unfairly target San Juan Countians and create both delays and discomfort for locals and may make tourists decide to visit elsewhere.

Area Border Patrol Deputy Chief Joe Guiliano appeared before the San Juan County Council and took questions from Members and the public in early April and is scheduled to appear at the Council Meeting on Orcas Island on May 6.

The issue has attracted attention from both the regional and national media. The Seattle Times featured a report on the stops on Tuesday, April 22, and Council Chair Howie Rosenfeld and other local residents were interviewed by National Public Radio reporter Martin Kaste the following day. Council Member Kevin Ranker also participated in the KUOW Seattle’s Public Radio call-in Show “Weekday” on Wednesday. He called for stronger action by federal representatives to raise questions about Border Patrols Ferry Terminal stops.

On April 25, Ranker said he was “Pleased to see Congressman Larsen taking an aggressive interest in this issue,” and Council Chair Howie Rosenfeld agreed, “It’s really gratifying to get strong action on this issue from our Congressman so quickly after our contact with him.”

A copy of Congressman Larsen’s letter to the Chief of the U.S. Border Patrol is available at: www.sanjuanco.com/docs/news/LarsenLetter042408.pdf