As a new to the island resident, what’s immediately apparent is how generous our neighbors can be in volunteering their time and expertise in ways that solve problems, create opportunities, and elevate community life. I’ve found Rick Fant to be such a neighbor. Through my involvement in the Orcas aviation community I’ve seen up close there’s very little that happens in or around our Eastsound community that Rick is not aware of or involved in…

Rick has called Orcas home for decades as a business owner, community volunteer, and good neighbor.

He leads our local Airhawks Flying Club and is generous with his time and resources as he oversees the scholarship program— a future-looking effort designed to ensure a cadre of Mercy pilots will always be available to meet our off-island routine medical appointment needs.

His background as a pilot and interaction with the FAA concerning land use regulations informs his outlook in keeping Orcas airport at its current right size.

Rick understands the airport is the second primary supporter of our Orcas lifestyle, behind the WSF. Emergency services, passengers, and packages all rely on an airport that operates safely and efficiently.

I think we can all agree our island faces serious challenges: ferry reliability, fire department funding decisions, aircraft noise, and limitations to growth as reflected in the draft Destination Management Plan, to name a few. In each case we’ll need smart, effective leadership that listens and has our collective best interest at heart. In my view, as relates to Port of Orcas commissioner, Rick Fant is that kind of leader. I encourage you to strongly consider Rick on Nov. 7th.

Chip Long

Orcas Island