Are we getting our money’s worth?

There has been a rise in crime in town: car prowls, burglaries and a robbery have occurred since the start of the pandemic. For heaven’s sake, the Town’s Department of Public Works has been robbed twice. It is worth noting the problems at the Port with the theft of expensive equipment from boat owners.

The Town contracts with the Skagit County Sheriff’s department to the tune of $330,000 a year. Gone are the days of community policing, with Sheriffs walking through town, meeting merchants, residents and visiting the schools. Last year things got so bad the Town contracted with a private security company, at who knows how much. This was to make up for the fact that law enforcement is seemingly absent at night. I would be willing to bet that the criminal element, the evil doers have gotten the word that La Conner is open after dark.

When is the last time you saw a Sheriff’s patrol in your neighborhood? The Sheriffs contract allows them to patrol the area around La Conner which limits response time here in town. I came into town very shortly after the robbery at Amaryllis on First Street. The overwhelming initial response was from the Tribal Community police, our neighbors. I have frequently seen the Tribal police responding in aid to the Sheriff’s Department showing cooperation and concern for their protection.

It might be worth talking to our neighbors as how to better protect our community.

Stuart Welch

La Conner