MY VISION FOR OUR SAN JUAN ISLANDS

I respect the current council member and others who are running, but I feel the county needs to move in a different direction, support our working community, expand renewable energy creation, renew the Land Bank, support local agriculture, provide access to housing, better transportation systems (improve ferry service) and make an effort to grow the economy at get back to the county serving our community.

Localization, Simplification, and Communication!

Governance is not about winning and being right, it is about balance, compromise, service and moving forward.

Thank you for your friendship and support!

 
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Housing


My highest priority is housing.

I have a comprehensive approach to:

  • Increase affordable housing

  • Invest in senior housing

  • Better manage and balance short-term rental needs to maintain quality of life and the environment for island residents

My vision for my last term is to find a fair way to be data-driven while honoring the needs and demands of our neighbors. We want to ensure that every one of us has our housing needs met while also balancing the economic needs of our citizens who rent their properties.

I have worked hard to make sure enforcement of vacation rental regulations is happening now. One-third of the properties are out of compliance and are in the process of having their permits revoked. I realize more work needs to be done, and I am ready to roll up my sleeves and dive in to make sure vacation rental growth is managed and the impact on our islands does not jeopardize our quality of life or the eco-system.


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Environment


Everything we do must be done while protecting the environment. It is our lifeblood in more than one way. These islands are our home, but we are also the caretakers for future generations. I will continue the eco work I’ve started, including adding solar megawatt power on county and private buildings and a seamless transportation system aimed at sustainability and a zero carbon footprint. Additionally, my vision is to:

  • Work to seamlessly connect San Juan County so that travel to the islands is possible and convenient without a car.

  • Connect our bicycle paths, pedestrian walkways, and ferry connections to our population centers.

  • Commit to making our islands zero-waste with innovative programs. For example, I want to see us crush glass for repurpose on the island instead of shipping it off.

  • Strive for a zero carbon footprint.


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Transportation


A reliable and on-time ferry service is vital to our islands. I have persuaded other counties to make the ferry system a priority in the past. I initiated a legislative bill and saw it through to passage, which allows counties that are all islands to use road tax for marine improvements on their docks and marinas.

My vision is to:

  • Create a commuter system that allows all of us access to our medical needs, airports, and mainland services in a practical and environmentally conscious way.

  • Develop a transportation system that will connect our bicycle paths, pedestrian walkways, and ferry connections to our population centers.

  • Continue my work on behalf of the county as an A

    appointee to the Joint Transportation Committee advisory panel to develop the next transportation funding package.


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Financial Responsibility


I will continue to operate a balanced budget and fund a reliable reserve. This fiscal responsibility has allowed us to survive the virus’s impact without raising our taxes.

My vision is to:

  • Explore and secure funding from state and federal resources to help fund county projects.

  • Maintain the balanced budget that we have worked hard for.


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Economic Development

Our economy is rapidly diversifying away from a tourist economy. Because of our investment in high-speed internet infrastructure and services, remote workers can now live and work here. Our cottage industries are thriving, serving distant markets. This is exactly the kind of diversification and forward-thinking our leadership has been demonstrating and will continue to implement.

My vision is to:

  • Create a more diverse economy that doesn’t rely on tourism.

  • Invest in innovation, infrastructure and services to create economic resilience.

During these uncertain times, experience and relationships are more important than ever. I ask for your vote so that I can continue to work toward my vision for San Juan County.