John Leaver and Bill Stokes finish town council terms

The people have spoken, but the last word in La Conner’s 2021 election goes to Councilmembers Bill Stokes and John Leaver, whose terms expire as the year ends.

Voters did not return them to the council table, instead choosing challengers Rick Dole and Ivan Carlson, III in November in campaigns emphasizing public and traffic safety, law enforcement, housing, protection of public open spaces and retention of La Conner’s much coveted quality of life.

Stokes and Leaver – as well as longtime Councilmember Jacques Brunisholz, who resigned in August – are receiving kudos for having stood in the public arena during a transformative period in La Conner’s history.

“Each of them has a long tenure in public service,” Mayor Ramon Hayes told the Weekly News. “And whether you voted for a particular individual or not, we should be appreciative of those who have stepped up to serve.”

In Leaver’s case, he hopes to continue serving – as a member of the planning commission, which Stokes chaired from 2007-13, when the latter was appointed to council.

“I have applied to join the planning commission,” Leaver confirmed to the Weekly News, “but haven’t heard anything yet.”

Leaver was appointed to the council in 2012 and was successful early on promoting the pairing of La Conner and White Rock, B.C. as Sister Cities.

“But,” he acknowledged, “it needs to be rejuvenated.”

Leaver cited Town action to ban plastic bag use here as an important development during his council stint, given the town’s location on Swinomish Channel and proximity to Skagit Bay, examples of saltwater environs harmed by blowing plastic.

Leaver also expressed gratitude that he was in position to provide impetus for the “First on First” community campaign to help La Conner businesses rebound from setbacks suffered due to the COVID-19 economic shutdown in 2020.

He also served as a spokesperson for La Conner’s annual Arts Alive event and enthusiastically championed the arts in general.

Leaver advanced La Conner regionally as a site for classic and vintage car shows and with Dole has promoted the most recent edition of the New Year’s Day Polar Plunge in Swinomish Channel.

He does leave the council with a touch of disappointment, however.

“What was most disappointing,” said Leaver, “was (my) inability to convince the council and town to seek improved, lower cost police services in 2013 and again in 2021.”

But Leaver won’t let that deter him, even while no longer in office, from pressing ahead with initiatives he supports.

“I will propose some innovative ideas to the Town through the council or other means,” he vowed.

As for Stokes, who often showed great passion when pivotal topics were discussed at council, he chooses to let his record – and others – do the talking now.

“My husband is the opposite of a publicity hound,” Stokes’ wife, Sandy, former co-owner of the Weekly News explained. “There is just no way that Bill will promote himself.”

His impact, though, speaks through the numerous policy directives and infrastructure upgrades realized during his tenure.

In concert with his colleagues and Hayes, Stokes’ council service witnessed:

* Construction of the popular La Conner waterfront boardwalk;

* Development of Conner Waterfront Park and the walking trails upland in Pioneer Park;

* Construction of the La Conner skate park;

* Lighting Rainbow Bridge;

* Major improvements for storm water drainage in town;

* Finalizing a new five-year contract with the Skagit County Sheriff’s Office, an issue which found Stokes and Leaver on opposite sides.

Stokes also took pride in aiding the drafting of a six-year La Conner Transportation Improvement Plan.

He was also lauded as a strong advocate on behalf of town employees.

Even as his term wound down, following the final public meeting of 2021, Stokes continued to lead by example. On Christmas Day, at that.

He and grandson Kane Stokes spent part of the holiday at the Town dock helping save a sailboat from sinking after it had been swamped with storm water. Bill Stokes procured a pump from Peter and Jason Hubl and started pumping water out of the boat. He then contacted Town Public Works Director Brian Lease, who arrived with a larger pump.

The boat was stabilized and Stokes, Peter Hubl and Town employees have since kept watch on the craft daily.

Hayes isn’t surprised.

“I can’t go on enough about how I admire their commitment,” he said of Stokes, Leaver and Brunisholz. “It’s a big responsibility to serve on the council and the thing about each of them is they always took time to study the issues.”