Having served with Jill Johnson on several community boards and committees I have been impressed with how well she grasps and responds to an issue. She understands quickly what’s at stake and is able to process key points and articulate them clearly.
Many of us try to be informed voters. We have not routinely voted based solely on party lines; we vote for the candidate who best reflects and will support our principles and goals for our state and country.
This year voters in the 10th District have the choice between two qualified candidates for state Senate. Mary Margaret Haugen, the incumbent, has served in state politics for 30 years, initially in the House of Representatives, then as a State Senator since 1993.
I read with bemusement the letter that compared Angie Homola to Jill Johnson and concluded by saying that Jill Johnson has no proven track record of leadership. Jill Johnson was a big part of the driving force behind building the new Wildcat Memorial Football Stadium and the newly renovated Oak Harbor High School. It was her idea to change the address of the High School to “No. 1 Wildcat Way,” finding a creative solution that allowed the High School to change its address and not impact the surrounding neighbors.
Readiness To Learn would like to thank its many supporters of the Back To School Program in Coupeville that serves Coupeville and Oak Harbor students.
To our friends and neighbors in the Coupeville community and visitors (especially from the Walking Festival) thank you for supporting our work in the community by coming to our salmon barbecue. All the money that was raised goes right back into the community through our programs, projects, and grants.
At a recent Island County budget workshop, Sheriff Mark Brown asked for $1.4 million for more deputies and replacement vehicles. His request was met by sharp criticism from commissioners Helen Price Johnson and Angie Homola for not being sensitive to the needs of “other departments.” The sheriff’s job is to advocate for his department. He is the expert on law enforcement issues. To ask for less than he thinks is needed would be irresponsible. Public safety is his priority.
A calendar listing in the Thursday, Sept. 20 issue of the Whidbey Examiner for a Sept. 25 event at the Coupeville Library is incorrect.
“Issues that Matter: Marriage Law Referendum 74, Be an Informed Voter” will take place at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 25 at the Black Box Theatre at Edmonds Community College in Edmonds, not at the Coupeville Library.
The Oak Harbor Library will host the same discussion program at 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 27 in meeting room 137. The library is located at 1000 SE Regatta Dr. These events are free and open to the public. Call 360-675-5115 or go to sno-isle.org for information.
The following are some events happening on Whidbey. Here is your chance to learn a new skill, meet new people or just have fun!
We want to thank Angie Homola for her hard work and common sense, which has resulted in a balanced county budget while retaining core functions like law and justice, public health, and infrastructure.
Angie understands that unplanned development imposes greater costs on current homeowners and reduces their property values. Angie understands that we treasure our island quality of life and want to protect open spaces, clean water and wildlife, for ourselves and future generations. Angie understands that we want a transparent and accessible county government.
“Coupeville is the best.”
That’s how Mayor Nancy Conard began her annual State of the Town address last week in which she covered topics such as town staffing, the local business environment and plans for the future.
She spoke before an audience of local residents, government officials and business owners at an event hosted by the Coupeville Chamber of Commerce.
She first recognized the townspeople’s volunteer service and commitment to the community, and proceeded to weave aspects of what makes the town great – such as a small, nimble government, commitment to the environment, and a strong business community – throughout her speech.
There are a lot of smiling faces at Nichols Brothers Boat Builders.
Company officials last week announced the signing of the firm’s second $17-million contract this year with Seattle’s Vigor Industrial to build the superstructure of a new 144-car state ferry.
The Freeland shipyard began work on the first boat earlier this year.
Although it was unlikely that Nichols Brothers would not be working on the second ferry as well, there were no guarantees and CEO Matt Nichols was happy to confirm that the deal was finalized early last week.
“Signed, sealed and delivered,” a smiling Nichols said in an interview Sept. 13.
The two jobs combined, totaling $34 million for the small Whidbey firm, has allowed the company to hire an additional 100 workers and means steady work until the end of 2013, Nichols said.
The following items were selected from reports made to the Coupeville Town Marshal’s Office:
Sunday, Sept. 9
At 7:52 a.m., a caller reported a loose herd of 45 goats and a llama near the intersection of NE Otis and NE Sixth streets.
I moved to Whidbey Island in 1992. I had come yearly to teach workshops for the Coupeville Arts Center since the mid 1980s and fell in love with Whidbey.
All of us who live here are aware of how lucky we are to have clean air and water, farmland and ocean vistas, low levels of crime and traffic congestion, and a constructive, involved, caring community. I have watched Island County government wrestle with the conflict between growth and conservation, and I know there are no easy answers. While I would like to keep every free space from being developed so that we all continue to enjoy every resource we currently enjoy, I know that is not possible.
