Candidates discuss economy and water quality at forum
Published 7:00 pm Saturday, October 22, 2005
Commissioner candidates for the Port of South Whidbey and the Clinton Water District went before voters Wednesday night at the Clinton Community Forum, discussing issues as diverse as the Langley marina upgrade and earthquake protection for water tanks. The general election is Nov. 8.
Port of South Whidbey
Port candidates stayed close to familiar issues during Wednesday’s forum, the last time they’ll square off before the election.
Port commission challenger Geoff Tapert reiterated his oft-stated argument: “The port is about projects that enhance both the community and economy.”
Tapert advanced to the general election to face incumbent Gene Sears, and picked up more votes than Sears during the four-person primary.
Tapert noted he’s been involved as a licensed engineer in several volunteer organizations, including a growth management group and the Everett Planning Commission. Tapert said the Port of Everett had acquired property to be leased to water-compatible businesses that generates long-term revenue.
“We need to examine ideas like that to see if they’re feasible,” Tapert said.
“Comparing Everett to South Whidbey is ridiculous,” Sears shot back.
He believes the port’s goal of enticing people “driving up the island to stop in our communities, instead of zipping on up the road” by offering attractive shoreline parks and beaches is the answer.
For visiting boaters, Sears added, “Maybe we could anchor 35 buoys in the harbor and have a hired kid bring their owners ashore in a Boston Whaler.”
Tapert, however, noted that if Langley expanded its marina parking, that would help bring more people into town.
“Economic development is very important and comes in many forms,” Tapert said.
Sears continued to highlight his experience on the port board.
“I like being port commissioner. I’m good at it,” he said. “We’ve made real progress on the Langley marina, Bush Point and Clinton beach.”
“Bids on Clinton will be open in one week and completed by Memorial Day next year, come hell or high water,” Sears added. “It doesn’t take an engineer to be commissioner, just dedication.”
Both candidates discussed continued problems with silting at Mutiny Bay, but abstained from addressing irrelevant questions on global warming and a “riverwalk” in Clinton.
Clinton Water District
Incumbent Joan Nelson is running for re-election against challenger Doug Brand.
The water district comprises 1,300 acres extending along Saratoga Passage and serves a population of 1,500 to 1,700 in the peak season. There are six wells and four water storage facilities. Commissioners serve a six-year term and receive a stipend of $70 per meeting.
During the forum, the district’s budget became an issue early on.
Brand has lived in Clinton 16 years and has been active in forming the water district’s comprehensive plan.
“The district is important though few people realize it,” Brand said. “The real issue is how the district will manage this fragile resource in the future.”
Brand added that he seeks a more proactive role by the public as the commission addresses the quality and quantity of water available.
He expressed concern about the unavailability of a district budget, a sentiment shared by others in the audience.
“We had an 8 percent rate hike last year, but what is the rationale?” Brand asked. “We need to know how the money is being spent and have more openness on finances.”
Nelson responded that the budget can be viewed when the district’s part-time clerk is available.
“I don’t think we can give out copies, but I’ll have to check our rules,” she said.
Nelson has lived in Clinton 52 years and served as commissioner for 12. She said the district has accomplished much in recent years.
“We have a new water filtration plant and bids out for a new storage facility. We’ve done a lot since I’ve been on the board, over $2 million in improvements,” Nelson said.
Nelson countered Brand’s concern over public input by observing the district has a budget, a Web site (www.clintonwaterdistrict.org) and publishes notices in the South Whidbey Record.
The audience wanted to know about the future of sewers in Clinton.
“I’m not in favor of them,” Brand declared. “There’s no documented health or environmental need and sewers are not consistent with the character of a rural area such as ours.”
Nelson agreed, though she pointed out, “The comp plan has a complete discussion on sewers if someone, not the water district, wanted to put them in. All of the details are on the Web site.”
Brand also argued the need for a disaster plan to handle emergencies, most likely an earthquake.
Nelson replied the district is working on it and said new water tanks are built to earthquake standards.
“If you’re pleased with water quality and a commissioner who works to make the system first rate, vote for me,” Nelson said.
Brand offered himself as the “dynamic person you should vote for, someone who will develop an action plan to get things done.”
The Clinton Community Forum is a local organization that provides a forum for the discussion of issues of interest to the community such as land use, transportation and community development.
