The Port Authority of Orcas, to replace dwindling income from previous FAA subsidies, is considering acquiring the county dock at the foot of Madrona Point to establish a marina to serve Eastsound, much like the joint operation of the marina and airport in Friday Harbor.

Aside from all the probable legal dilemmas this plan would generate, this proposed plan would most likely be a hard sell to the residents of Orcas, other than its business interests.

There are several examples in the last 15 years of community resistance to such plans; the marina expansion or the grocery store proposal for Orcas Landing, and the proposed Madrona Point conversion to condominiums. These proposals have resoundingly been defeated by strident community members.  Representatives who attempted to act unilaterally for their own limited interests without community consent have met with harsh opposition. This is a sleeping dog better left undisturbed.

There is a persistent collective commitment to restraining zealous commercialization of available terrestrial or aquatic resources on Orcas. We cannot sacrifice any remaining resources to  commercialization at the expense of a “quality of life” experienced by many people living here. As nebulous as that quality of life may be, it is of inestimable value. We are not afraid to fight to maintain a respect for values beyond profit as we seek to discover a greater symbiotic balance between commerce and stewardship.

Adding to this, the recent realization of the tenuousness of our environmental situation would lead me to believe the ferocity of conviction is even more strident now. Anyone considering such options might take heed of the reactions of historical precedence to such proposals, coupled with the common knowledge that our environmental situation is dire. Any “big” commercial endeavors seeking to sacrifice our natural heritage to “commercial value” seems doomed to concerted conflict and ultimate failure.

Our perceived quality of life contains a common recognition of the grandeur of this island that does not “belong” to us. It demands our respect and reverence and holds value beyond profit, to which many are wholeheartedly committed.  This is a common ground.

Please, Port of Orcas, seek other funding options for your foreseen financial shortfall.

Jim Ekberg

Olga