Tell new council you care

The Weekly News’ Nov. 10 editorial assessed the Town as having “Truly a new council.” That was true even before we knew who would take over the vacant seat. First, I’d like to thank John Leaver and Bill Stokes for all the time they spent doing our business.

Moving on, I anticipate good things that will come from the deliberations, decisions and foresight of Mary Lee Chamberlain, Mary Wohleb, Annie Taylor, Ivan Carlson and Rick Dole. Each, I believe, has the inclination to be in close contact with the community. And the community has the responsibility to follow, stay informed and express their views on issues that come before the council. Remember, not all communication with the council members needs to be limited to the three minutes of the public comment at council meetings. This is a small town. They are our neighbors. And I believe they are very willing to listen – and even chat – at other times.

The council is our one and only legislative body and the critical place for discussion and debate on policies and regulation. Policy-wise, the town staff (administrator, planner, attorney) and the mayor are here to support the council members by ensuring they have the information they need to make sound decisions, decisions that reflect and protect the interests of the community.

An important part of council stewardship is guiding residential, commercial and even industrial development.

A new council provides an opportunity to reconsider the town’s role in defining housing (rental) opportunities for low-income families through partnering with builders, Habitat for Humanity, Skagit Home Trust, application of Community Development Block Grants and use of tax receipts the town collects and deposits into the state-supported “Affordable Housing Tax Fund.”

The opportunity for moving in this direction was missed this last summer, because the prior council did not discuss the possibility and benefits of council action on affordable housing. Available land is disappearing.

However, on a positive note, three council members happily showed – in their opposition to Fully Contained Communities in Skagit County – their concern for balanced growth and appropriate development consistent with and supportive of community values.

Bob Raymond

La Conner