I’m writing this to ask your support for Judge Linde’s candidacy for Superior Court Judge. I’ve known John for many years and in many capacities and consider him the outstanding candidate. While he and I might have differing political views, we align perfectly on non-partisan judicial issues. For example, we both believe that serving and supporting our youth is the key to our society’s betterment.
To the Islands’ Sounder:
San Juan County should drop its ballot-tracking system until a better system is found. We have a right to cast a secret ballot, a right guaranteed by the state Constitution. While the current ballot-tracking system is well-intentioned, it is possible — improbable, yes, but not impossible — to identify a voter and how he or she voted. And that’s violates the secret-ballot provision of the state Constitution. How important is a secret ballot? Ask voters in Zimbabwe.
There were two letters concerning the upcoming election for our Superior Court Judge in the July 9th issue of the Sounder. One which commented favorably about our Prosecutor Randy Gaylord, the other was a mean-spirited attack on our Superior Court Judge John Linde. The former is the appropriate way citizens should express their opinion and support for any candidate running for elected office. The latter was nothing but character assassination and an attempt to interject partisanship in a non-partisan election.
RE: Editorial “Haste makes Waste”
When a relative or friend is fighting cancer, we often feel limited in what we can do to help and support them. And our neighbors are a curious blend of relative (we don’t choose them) and friend (we do choose them).
The Fire District Commissioners should not authorize an interim contract to hire the Fire/Medics to assume the duties of Assistant Fire Chief. The interim contract, proposed to start Aug. 1, would organize the Fire/Medics as three Division Chiefs to undertake the Assistant Chief’s duties.
There is a growing concern internationally about noise-induced hearing loss. In settings as diverse as the workplace, our homes, and recreation, we are all at risk of exposure to noise that may cause permanent hearing loss. This potential danger exists when we use power tools or farm equipment, ride a snowmobile, listen to our iPod or attend rock concerts. Many factors contribute to dangerous sound levels, including the intensity, frequency, duration and distance from the source. There are discrepancies in what is a harmful decibel level over what duration of time. The good news is that wearing earplugs minimizes or eliminates the risk of noise-induced hearing loss, as does taking breaks from loud noise.
San Juan County needs to make a priority of enforcement of its development regulations.
Robert Low, San Juan County Fire Marshal announced on June 30 that starting July 1, the fire danger in San Juan County will go up to high.
On Saturday, July 12, from 2 to 4 p.m., the Waldron Community Meeting (WCM) will host a candidates’ forum for the Orcas West District of the County Council and Judicial Candidates. Those wishing to attend may arrange transportation by calling Waldron Freight at 360-317 8041 or provide their own. The WCM will provide transportation to and from the Waldron dock. Please confirm at 360-317-8380. Each candidate will have five to ten minutes to present their position, followed by a question and answer session. Candidates are asked to bring their latest donor list and any literature to distribute.
Less than a year ago, Bellingham-based North Cascades Cardiology (NCC) initiated an outreach program to serve the residents of the San Juan Islands by having one of their cardiologists see patients in Friday Harbor one day per month. With the success of that clinic, beginning July 18, NCC will now begin serving the residents of Orcas Island.
“Most skin conditions that cause Orcas Island residents to make appointments with mainland dermatologists now can be addressed at Orcas Medical Center,” said the Medical Center’s Dr. Anthony Giefer, “thanks in part to equipment such as our new palm-sized Dermatoscope.”