Annie Taylor: La Conner’s newest council member

Annie Taylor was appointed to a La Conner Town Council seat by a 3-1 vote Nov. 9, becoming the third women on council, the youngest – until Ivan Carlson takes office in January – and is the only member who works in La Conner and walks to a wage job. The proprietor of Crescent Moon Yoga, and property owner, she has a seven block walk to her server’s job at Nell Thorn.

Last Friday she spoke to the Weekly News. She said that she recognizes and looks forward to the challenge before her, not only to learn about town government – though she has been on its parks commission for four years – but also about the county. Governing means looking beyond the town’s boundaries. She noted last week’s flooding “froze the valley” and that the dike on the northeast side of town is an issue, one of many, as everyone on and elected to council agrees.

She said that friends had encouraged her to apply for the position, telling her her level-headed and calming presence were needed. Taylor said she “is here to serve,” that is what the role is, and she will participate where she is needed. She comes to council as a citizen, offering “fresh eyes and fresh questions,” a hopeful perspective, she said.

She calls herself protective of La Conner, appreciating that tourists enjoy visiting but realizing that the present small scale is threatened by inevitable growth. Her list of challenges immediately starts with infrastructure: water, sewer, wastewater treatment, all aging systems requiring massive upgrades. Taylor gets it: Last week’s storm impacted her: Nell Thorn was closed for two days because power was out.

Taylor showed her awareness, looking out her window to the corner of Maple Avenue and Morris Street and pointing to vehicles taking the turn south onto Maple Avenue too fast. That traffic has the right of way. “It is just a constant hazard” needing modification before a serious accident forces change, she warns. Taylor will have to learn the process and the time it takes from identifying a need and having a project develop, get funded, scheduled and completed.

Taylor displayed her sense of humor, likening herself to the character Leslie Knope of the TV show “Parks and Recreation.” “I became Leslie Knope and went from being on the parks commission to council – to future president of the United States,” Taylor said, either projecting or making a prediction. “She was a very strong, found ways to get it done type of person. I hope I can follow in her footsteps,” Taylor said.

Taylor’s second council meeting was last night, Nov. 23. She said she would work to be prepared for it.