Island voters approved creation of a new rec district, while incumbents prevailed in Tuesday’s election.
Orcas Islanders came out in high numbers to support the formation of an Orcas Parks and Rec District.
The initiative received 1,604 (71.9 percent) in favor and 627 in opposition (28.1 percent).
“I’m inspired how Orcas Island supports its people so strongly,” organizer Kevin O’Brien said. “I look forward to the community engaging with the new commissioners to create a program that best suits the needs of all Orcas Islanders.”
The district will be governed by five commissioners, who were also elected in this election: Bob Eagan, Martha Farish, Jim Bredouw, and Ian Lister all ran unopposed. Vicki Vandermay is up only three votes (775) against Marian O’Brien (772) for commissioner. According to election supervisor Doris Schaller of San Juan County Elections Department, as of Monday morning there were about 100 ballots left to count. If the election remains this close, it may require a hand count.
“We won’t know until the evening of the 23rd,” Schaller said.
The final election results will be certified by the Canvas Board of San Juan County on Nov. 24.
The formation of the district is the first step in a two-step process. The commissioners will create a budget and work with the community on a levy that would then go before the voters at a later date.
“The success of the Orcas Parks and Recreation Initiative is due to the hard work and support of the commissioner candidates, the folks at Orcas Rec, The Funhouse, The Orcas School District, our County Prosecutor Randy Gaylord, The Islands Sounder, Orcas Issues, and the people of this great island,” O’Brien said. “Let’s roll up our sleeves and build greatness!”
Orcas School Board
Chris Sutton vs. Jim Sullivan
Chris Sutton, with 1,040 votes, won against Jim Sullivan (883) for Orcas Island School Board Director 1.
“Of course I am disappointed – I was in it to win,” Sullivan said. “I’d like to thank everyone who voted for me, and I congratulate Chris on his victory and wish him the best of luck in dealing with the difficult economic issues, especially the upcoming building bond.”
Sutton said his win is humbling.
“I called Jim and thanked him for running,” he said. “I think it means a lot for people to be interested in the schools. I am looking forward to getting my hands dirty and figuring it all out.”
Sutton says his first order of business will be working on the upcoming bond.
“That’s a very big sell and we have to be very upfront about the whole process – the community needs to know all of it,” he said. “And then after that, every year is probably a surprise.”
Tony Ghazel vs. Robert Connell
Director 2 incumbent Tony Ghazel won overwhelmingly (1,598) against Robert Connell (432).
“It was a very interesting and educational process to go through,” Connell said. “I wish Tony and the new board all the best in dealing with the challenging issues and times that will come before them, and I especially wish to offer a big thanks to those who supported me throughout the election.”
Ghazel said, “I am thankful the voters acknowledged that the board is on the right track. We still have a lot to do in the next few years, so we are going to need support to ensure that our students can continue to be successful.”
Ghazel says the board will be working on the maintenance and operations levy and a bond for school improvements and a community learning center. Both will be on the February 2010 ballot.
“We’ll also be making sure that the state doesn’t get off the hook for fully funding education,” he said.
Incumbent Scott Lancaster ran unopposed for the Director 3 position, and received 1,679 votes.
Fire District Board
Clyde Duke vs. Henry “Duff” Andrews
Incumbent Clyde Duke will continue his service to the San Juan County Fire Protection District as Commissioner #2. He received 1,211 votes against Henry “Duff” Andrews’ 888.
“I am humbly grateful,” Duke said. “What a great opportunity for serving my community, and I look forward to serving it further. I think it was an endorsement for what the fire district has achieved. Duff was a great person to campaign against.”
Duke says the commission has its plate full working on a budget for 2010.
“That’s at the forefront for me right now,” he said. “The other big resolve for the year is building the Deer Harbor station. I have been involved in working with the architects and the engineers to put in the final package for re-bidding, which will happen soon.”
Andrews expressed gratitude to the Orcas voters who supported him.
“I just want to thank all the people who voted for me,” Andrews said.
Barbara Bedell vs. Pierrette Guimond
Incumbent Barbara Bedell will finish out the two-year unexpired term that she began this spring after commissioner Harvey Olsan resigned. Bedell received 1,362 votes, beating Pierrette Guimond, who had 627.
“I am extremely gratified,” Bedell said. “I’m very honored by the response of the Orcas community. I hope that I can fulfill that belief people have in me as a fire commissioner.”
Bedell says she hopes this election sets a mandate for a higher level service.
“I want to sustain that. And I want to complete the Deer Harbor Fire Station,” she said. “It would cover Deer Harbor and everything west of it – not just the hamlet. It’s an area that is growing and has an older population. I’d like to have more than a shell, which is what we can afford now. I’d like to have an EMT stationed out there in the summer months.”
Bedell plans to run again after her two-year term ends.
“People voted for who they felt comfortable with,” Guimond said. “I want to thank the voters for supporting me.”
Guimond will continue to volunteer in the community, and she will leave soon for a little world traveling.
“Since I didn’t get elected, I am out of here, baby!” she said.
Eastsound Sewer and Water District
Gregory Ayers was elected commissioner 3 of the Eastsound Sewer and Water District with 715 votes. His opponent Harvey Aldort received 107.
“It was a mixed blessing for me,” Aldort said. “It was a seat no one wanted. I filed in good faith, and I believe I would have been a good commissioner. On the other hand, I don’t really have the time, so I am not sorry I lost. I am firmly convinced Greg will do a great job. The community will be well served by Greg Ayers’ presence.”
Ayers says one of his first efforts will be to identify the areas that need to be hooked up “either due to environmental need or resident interest.”
“I want to visit these areas and speak with homeowners to determine any common themes and barriers to hook up. I also want to get invloved in assessing the present situation with respect to heavy metals and household chemicals that likely pass through the plant to se if there might be technological solutions today or that may be available in the near future,” he said.
Incumbent Carl Yurdin ran unopposed for commissioner 4, and received 400 votes.
