Everything old is new again

Last week I reread an article in the Weekly News from Sept. 4 regarding various news in town including First Street going one-way (about time) and the town working with the fire department to obtain a new fire boat and a new ladder truck. The one that really got my attention was news of burglaries in the north end of town and LATE arrival by the sheriff’s office. My view:

Fire boat and ladder truck: Absolutely agree the fire department should have the right equipment to fight fires in or near our town. However, as I stated at a council meeting on the subject a year or more ago, the town should not solely bear the costs! The potential beneficiaries of this equipment could be the Tribe, and The Port of Skagit as well as the town and these three organizations should bear the cost. The Port has hundreds of boats and facilities on its marina property as well as at least one tall building that might require a ladder truck. I would hope that the town is reaching out to these entities in this regard, but are they?

Burglaries in the north end of town: Prior to my departure from town council, one of my most important issues was that the sheriff’s contract costs us too much money for the amount of service we receive. As some might recall, my ill-fated re-election campaign was centered on that very issue; poor service, particularly response time by the sheriff versus the high cost. Ironically, my successor on the council, Mr. Carlson, was negative to my frequent calls to negotiate with the tribal police for a potential contract yet now he is quoted referring to the mutual agreement that typically has the tribal police respond in a more timely manner.

I recall one incident cited was a call made by a resident in the north end to a robbery (I believe) where the sheriff’s deputy responded approximately one hour later and then complained about having to drive all the way from Sedro-­Woolley to respond, despite our “La Conner detachment” status. After I departed town council, the sheriff was rewarded with a five-year contract rather than the traditional four-year contract at a comparably higher contract cost. Way to go town!

Between the two organizations, get ready for higher taxes folks. Everything OLD is NEW AGAIN!

John Leaver is a former La Conner Town Council member.