Musings - on the editor's mind

Forty La Conner area residents came out Thursday night to Maple Hall to hear 13 people explain why they want to be Freeholders, or delegates, to shape a charter for Skagit County, creating a modern governance structure. Seven will go to work, part of the 21-person team created if the electorate passes Proposition 1.

Everyone who attended needs to be congratulated.

These readers of the Weekly News take seriously the responsibility of participating in our democratic society.

Forty people! Thirteen candidates! Discussing the direction of the county’s future. Just like in the textbooks.

The candidates were respectful, responsible and thoughtful, whether for or against developing a charter. Each had a unique perspective and experiences. All showed themselves to be mature and serious about the role they coould play in developing a charter if Proposition 1 passes and they are elected.

I am proud of their performances.

The 40 people who came out on a week night, performing their duty as citizens, deserve recognition, also. The evening was promoted through the Weekly News. Forty people is a great turnout. That total beat most forums held by the Home Rule Skagit group or the organizations offering the civil discourse workshops throughout the county.

The forum was one of the few held for these candidates and it took place in the one of the four smallest municipalities in the county.

That greater La Conner has this level of participation, showing interest in our local community is worth being proud about.

It is equivalent to a La Conner Braves team coming in first in the county.

Go team. Good for us.