Town council hears plea for downtown security camera

Law enforcement and crime prevention has been a major town government topic since onset of the COVID-19 pandemic two years ago.

A new outdoor security camera in La Conner’s downtown historic preservation district might focus the town’s answer.

Resident Bruce Bradburn raised the matter during the council’s March 8 Zoom session. A Town planning commissioner, he was among those who had windows in their parked vehicles shot out downtown earlier this year,

“It might not be a bad idea,” Bradburn said of installing an outdoor camera on or near First Street as a crime prevention measure. “We definitely need to have a conversation on this. We’re a tourist town. We don’t want the reputation of not being friendly to people.”

Security cameras are at town facilities and the school campus.

While Mayor Ramon Hayes and council members did not commit on the proposal, Hayes said he would get council’s input.

“I think what Bruce envisions is having a camera that can shoot from Commercial down First Street that can catch what’s going on as things come up,” Hayes told the Weekly News. He intends to reach out to Skagit County Sheriff’s Office La Conner detachment Sgt. Jenny Sheahan for her perspectives.

Bradburn’s reference to a busy season was borne out by La Conner Chamber of Commerce Director Heather Carter and Skagit Valley Tulip Festival Executive Director Cindy Verge. Both expressed optimism that tourism will be more reflective of pre-COVID years, coinciding with the lifting of statewide mask mandates.

Verge introduced the 2022 Tulip Festival poster, presenting a copy for display at Town Hall.

“(Camano Island artist) Jack Gunter has created an image that captures the joy of the season,” Verge said. “There’s tons of interest from people all over the country looking forward to coming here for the festival.”

“People are excited about coming to La Conner,” Carter said, adding that the Tulip Parade is now back on the calendar for April 9.

Carter noted local daffodil fields are setting the tone.

"They are 50% in bloom,” she said, “and Roozen’s predict they’ll be 100% soon.”