Encouraging Shelter Bay engagement

Nancy Shimeall

We thank the Weekly News for its coverage over the past few months of Shelter Bay events, including several topics of interest and concern to the residents. Your editorial of July 13 regarding elections and the importance of voting prompts us to write this letter.

Shelter Bay had a 53% turnout for our annual Board of Directors election, more than in recent memory and electing these three new directors was the first step in effecting changes. Through multiple neighborhood gatherings, comments at board meetings and personal contacts the community brought forward those topics that need to be addressed.

We are very early in the positions entrusted to us, which brings us to what we need from the Shelter Bay community now: continued engagement and communication with the board. We were elected to be the voice for the community, but we need to hear from them in order to act on their behalf.

While each of us have individual approaches and different skills, we share common goals on behalf of what the community needs and wants. Top of mind are the following:

1. Holding ourselves to the highest ethical standards;

2. Ensuring transparency, communication and adhering to the rules; providing both in-person and Zoom participation in board meetings and publishing answers to questions;

3. Seeing Rainbow Park restored to the gem that it should be at the earliest possible opportunity. A contract is under review and we hope to see it acted upon at the July 20 board meeting (please attend); and

4. Taking care of community projects such as addressing shoreline stabilization, upgrading amenities and facilities and addressing future infrastructure needs.

As the three newest elected board members our efforts may take a while to come to fruition, which is why we need the Shelter Bay community to stay engaged, attend meetings to hear what the board and others are saying and continue communicating with the board. We have made our preferences for committee assignments known and hope to be assigned to Rules, ACC, Communications and Facilities to effect the changes many have been asking for. We also have support from the community to get the Greenbelt/Lot committee running again.

The above are the beginning steps of honoring our obligations and respecting the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community and their lands. Shelter Bay is a special place. We understand and are grateful that the community placed their trust in us and we are determined to uphold that trust.

Judy Kontos retired from a 44 year career in mortgage lending and compliance, joining the Shelter Bay community in 2021.

Dan McCaughan has lived in Shelter Bay for 21 years. As a director, he supports strengthening community engagement.

Nancy Shimeall has lived in Shelter Bay for about 2 years. A former educator, she volunteers with several environmental and climate justice organizations.