Opinion - Journal of the San Juans

How are we doing on habitat? | Being Frank

We know that protecting and restoring habitat are the keys to wild salmon recovery. But how are we really doing on that front? Puget Sound chinook and steelhead, Hood Canal summer chum and Lake Ozette sockeye are listed as “threatened” under the federal Endangered Species Act (ESA). Meanwhile, our culture, treaty rights and way of life – everything that makes us Indian people – are disappearing a little every day, just like the salmon.

A transition with dignity and respect | Editorial

A new superintendent of schools has been hired for the San Juan Island School District. We welcome Lynden School Superintendent Rick Thompson to our district. But our warmest applause must go to Walt Wegener. Our interim superintendent handled the search for his successor with class. We hope to see him in the position he desires in time for the 2010-11 school year.

I plan on participating in the U.S. Census this ye

'We must discuss new revenue and evaluate our taxes' | Forecasts for 2010

Jan. 11 marked the beginning of our 2010 session in Olympia, and every indication tells us we are in for a bumpy ride. Just a year after tackling a $9 billion budget deficit — the largest in our state’s history — we’re faced with another $2.6 billion shortfall. This means we’ll be forced to look at even more program cuts and savings enhancements to keep Washington fiscally sound as well as keep our well-established social safety net in place for our most vulnerable.

‘If we give salmon a chance, they will recover’ | Forecasts for 2010

The stakes are high. Island citizens are engaged in tasks that are leading to salmon recovery. Continued support is needed for salmon recovery efforts to be successful and we must make a long-term commitment toward completion of this work.

‘Hope for the best, and be kind to one another’ | Forecasts for 2010

Our town isn’t just about whales and ferries. It’s about neighbor helping neighbor, children growing up and creating families of their own, small businesses serving the community and thriving, and a shared feeling of security and well-being.

'Our economy will recover when the jobless rate turns' | Forecasts for 2010

Until government spending is brought under control, small businesses will be uncertain about the economy and will not begin to hire new employees or borrow money for expansion. That will keep the economy in limbo for some time to come.

'We can diversify the local economy beyond construction and tourism' | Forecasts for 2010

We can protect our community’s natural resources and beauty while streamlining our local land-use regulations to make the rules and processes effective and efficient. These efforts will enable our community of businesses and citizens to maintain their quality of life and sustainability.

'In 2010, keep pollutants out of our runoff' | Forecasts for 2010

In 2010, I am also hoping to finally get my official button: “I’m from the government and I’m here to help!” Seriously, please contact me if I can answer any questions about safe chemical handling and disposal, and keeping pollutants out of the environment.

‘Our educational values will not waver’ | Forecasts for 2010

My predictions for 2010 are that this community’s deeply rooted educational values will not waver, and together we will achieve success for our children and preserve hope for our future.