Meet the candidates for Skagit County Commission

Why are you seeking office?

Because I believe in local government and its importance. The Skagit is a special place with extraordinary people. I want to leave this place better than I found it, because that's what future generations are entitled to expect from today's leadership.

What will be the solution to zoning for agritourism?

I am firmly committed to protecting and preserving the Skagit Valley's farmland for future generations. I also understand that tourism can help provide farms with additional income.

The overarching goal is to make sure that "accessory" activities support and sustain Skagit agriculture, not undermine it. The Washington Supreme Court's recent agritourism decision in King County v. Friends of Sammamish Valley is highly protective of farmland, and we've directed the Planning Commission to revisit the agtourism ordinance in light of the Supreme Court's decision.

A big part of the goal is to end up with clear, unmistakable and objective rules that are broadly agreed on. Community buy-in and acceptance from the farming community is very important when passing local zoning laws regulating the farming community.

How will you work with the county's cities to increase their municipal housing density?

Our community has reached clear consensus that new growth and development should not be allowed on unincorporated Skagit County's rural and natural resource lands, rejecting the concept of Fully Contained Communities. This inherently means that new growth and affordable housing will need to happen within the Skagit's cities/urban growth areas. While cities have their own laws and leadership that we must respect, I have been a strong and consistent advocate for increased density in cities to accommodate affordable housing. In addition, Skagit County government plays a significant role in helping direct state and federal funding to housing initiatives. My record reflects that I have been very active and supportive of well-planned initiatives to help provide supportive and affordable housing.

How will you increase climate resiliency with county initiatives?

As we discuss climate resiliency, we must recognize that the Skagit is unique. Skagit farmland is temperate, maritime and well-watered, and is expected to remain highly productive despite climate-related impacts to food security already happening around the world. Protecting the Skagit farmland that remains is our community's most important climate resilience goal.

Success requires that we continue our commitment to strict farmland zoning; continue to acquire development rights through the Farmland Legacy Program; and help ensure an adequate uninterruptible water right for Skagit Agriculture as we face a warmer climate.

Sea level rise and its impact on the Skagit/Samish marine dike system is our community's biggest long-range challenge. Skagit County and the dike/drainage districts own billions of dollars in dike, road, bridge and drainage infrastructure for which we are responsible. I will continue to bring together Skagit tribes, dike/drainage districts and County government around an integrated, strategic and locally-grounded investment plan for the Skagit Delta to rationally and holistically address the intertwined challenges of sea level rise, habitat enhancement, infrastructure-resilience and farmland preservation.

What will your advocacy be for a countywide library system with your fellow commissioners?

I believe in libraries, our society's equitable repository of truth and knowledge. We have several excellent libraries, and my advocacy for a countywide library system will depend on rigorous analysis of the benefits and practical economics involved.