The venerable and dignified Captain Whidbey Inn may be a bit more rambunctious than usual Wednesday, Sept. 21, when the Whidbey Island League of Women Voters presents “Dinner with our County Commissioners.”
This is an event not to be missed, even if the “dinner” does seem a bit downsized, consisting only of “salad buffet and dessert.” The cost, however, is very reasonable, considering the venue, at $13. It was a good idea by the League to offer an affordable setting, but followers of politics in Island County would probably pay much more to see Republican Kelly Emerson, whose roots are in the tea party, pitted against Democrats Angie Homola and Helen Price Johnson. The “dinner” is also fitting with the county’s budget, which has been downsized each year since the virtual depression hit. It may explain why the main course is missing.
The commissioners promise an address on “the state of the county,” which has all the ingredients of a prize fight, minus the literal punches. Last month, Emerson refused to sign on to a written “state of the county report” released prior to the 2012 budgeting season. As a result, her picture was omitted from the report with the notation, “Respectfully removed as requested by Commissioner Emerson with her expressed objection to this presentation.”
Emerson felt the majority report focused too much on the general fund and “offered no solutions,” among other objections. She announced she would produce her own “minority report,” which may surface Sept. 21 at the Captain Whidbey Inn. If she chooses to be too abrasive, perhaps pointing to the property fee increases adopted by the other two commissioners who will prefer to emphasize all the cutting, there could be trouble. New meaning could be given to the terms “tossed salad” and “upside down cake.”
Even if the three commissioners come together for an amiable report, it promises to be an interesting evening. Tickets may be ordered no later than Sept. 15 by calling 678-4433. Considering the deteriorating economy, salad and dessert sounds quite appetizing. Next year, it could be bread and water.
