Call it the “vision” thing.

Officially, a comprehensive plan is a written document that identifies the goals, objectives, principles, guidelines, policies, standards and strategies for the growth and development of the community by a government entity.

But whose goals, what strategies and, above all, who decides?

In the case of the Port of South Whidbey, that would be commissioners Lynae Slinden (representing Clinton), Rolf Seitle (Langley) and Geoff Tapert (Freeland).

But they know it takes a village to formulate good public policy. And to that end they’ve appointed nine volunteers who have agreed to serve on a committee to draft the port’s next six-year plan.

In July, the port hired Laura Blankenship to facilitate the group. The current plan runs through March 2007, and the committee’s goal is to be finished by the end of this year.

Slinden wanted to make sure Clinton was well represented; each of her picks — Lynn Swanson, Sue Ellen White and Mikkel Husted — hail from the southern end of the island.

Swanson is married into an old island family with deep roots in the Possession Park beach area.

White has addressed the port on the value of kayaking as a way to draw boaters from around the world to South Whidbey waters.

Husted, a Lutheran pastor, is heavily involved with the Clinton Chamber of Commerce and “has lots of connections with folks throughout the community,” Slinden noted.

Seitle tapped a wealth of experience in his appointments: Jack Lynch, Peter Casale and Paul Schell.

For many years, Lynch was Langley’s planning director.

“He also chaired the original discussions that led to us working with the city on marina improvements,” Seitle said.

Casale ran a large marina on Orcas Island and understands how a small boat harbor works. He’s also active with the South Whidbey Yacht Club.

Finally, Seitle prevailed upon Schell, a former Seattle mayor and port commissioner, to come aboard.

“He co-owns the Boatyard Inn at the marina and the Inn at Langley so his views will be of great value to the committee,” Seitle said.

Last year, Tapert ran for commissioner on a platform of economic growth and his picks reflect his campaign promises; Scott Fleming, John McFarland and Cliff Bjork.

Fleming represents Nichols Brothers Boatbuilders, Inc.

“I wanted them because they are stakeholders and a major economic force on the island,” Tapert said.

McFarland, a former city administrator from Tukwila, will represent the views of the Friends of Freeland.

Bjork owns Interstate Label in Freeland.

“He has used the Internet to grow his business, shipping his products beyond our island,” Tapert said. “If we’re going to concentrate on commerce, we need their representation.”

The next port meeting is 7:30 p.m., Aug. 9 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Freeland.

Jeff VanDerford can be reached at 221-5300 or e-mail jvanderford@southwhidbeyrecord.com.