Make a New Year’s resolution to get involved with, or at least pay attention to, the coming elections for the San Juan County Council.

Every county voter will weigh in for three new council members after the passage of Prop. 1. A three-member council means that two council members will control the county’s budget and policies.

In addition, Prop. 2 cancels the “separation of powers” concept and eliminates the position of  county administrator in favor of a yet-to-be-defined county manager. The new council will have sole authority over both the executive and legislative power in the county.

You will want to know how each candidate views his or her responsibility to the island he or she lives on and to the other two islands as well.

San Juan County last had three elected legislators in 2005. At that time, county coffers were relatively well-stocked, public and private employment was high, construction was booming and home sales were strong.

Times change.

The primary election is Feb. 12. Three candidates from Orcas and three from San Juan will seek nominations to join the two Lopez candidates in the April 23 general election.

Because the elections are in February and April, turnout may be significantly reduced. That smaller group of voters may or may not share your views of what’s right for your island and the county as a whole.

The Sounder intends to closely observe the council elections. How about you?