Sports
Wolverines ‘jellin’at right time; post-season begins page 11
Island Scene
Editorial
Past comes alive in Historic Preservation Month
Some may say ‘flip-flop’; we say prosecutor makes the correct call... even if it’s in reverse page 7
page 13
Journal
The 75¢ Wednesday, May 2, 2012 Vol. 105 Issue 18
of the San Juan Islands
P.A. in reverse on subcomm’s
www.sanjuanjournal.com
Ring of recovery?
Spring has sprung
Pending real estate sales show signs of heating up By Steve Wehrly
By Scott Rasmussen/Steve Wehrly
Casual conversations between members of the San Juan County Council, even about county business, well, that’s alright. But in a change of course, San Juan County Prosecuting Attorney Randy Gaylord is tightening the reins on the County Council and its use of subcommittees. “If the use of subcommittees is to refine Randy Gaylord the council’s decision-making,” Gaylord said, “then those meetings need to be open to the public.” Gaylord, who previously determined council subcommittees were not subject to the state Open Public Meeting Act, reversed that earlier opinion on the heels of a more exhaustive review of a state attorney opinion, and in light of a precedent out of the state of Wisconsin, known as the “super-majority” rule. He said that since three members of the County Council, if aligned through their work on a subcommittee, can band together as a “voting bloc” and effectively sway an outcome of the county’s legislative body. See SUBCOMMITTEE, Page 4
Journal photo /Scott Rasmussen
Cherry blossoms on Argyle Avenue suggest that spring may have finally sprung on San Juan Island.
Town follows suit
See ECONOMY, Page 4
In a 3-2 decision, the Friday Harbor Town Council voted in favor of giving voters an opportunity to decide on a proposed .3 percent sales tax hike, in the August primary election
By Steve Werhly
The Friday Harbor Town Council on Thursday endorsed a ballot measure that, if approved by voters, would raise the local sales-tax rate from 7.8 percent to 8.1 percent. Not everyone was onboard, however. “I’m not convinced this is an appropriate tax increase at this time,” said Councilman Noel Monin, who voted against the measure. “I’m cold to this proposition because it’s sort of a shotgun proposal and the sense of urgency has not been justified.”
Flanked by a dozen charts and graphs typical of any economic forum, economist Dave Wallace of the Washington Department of Employment Security last week relied on visuals and detailed analysis to describe the effect the recession has had on the state and on San Juan County. San Juan Island’s Mark Anderson, founder of Strategic News Service and a frequent technology conference contributor, followed with big picture insights and strategy recommendations for the future. But the real buzz in the room — economically speaking — started before the San Juan County Economic Development Council’s April 25 Economic Forecast Luncheon even began. It was delivered by realtors Steve and Sam Buck of Coldwell Banker. “Thirty real estate deals in escrow,” was Steve Buck’s economic recovery report.
Journal file photo
Councilwoman Anna Maria de Freitas was equally troubled by the timing of a bump in the local sales tax rate, which, at 7.8 percent, is among the lowest in the state. “What is presented here is not clear evidence that it’s needed at this time,” de Freitas said.
Following in the footsteps of the county Law and Justice Council, which earlier gave the proposed increase a hearty endorsement, Council members Steve Hushebeck, Felix Menjivar and Barbara Starr banded together See TOWN, Page 4
2011 Special Award; Second Place: General Excellence from the Washington Newspaper Publishers Association
Vote for now your favorite dog! Last day to vote is May 9. www.sanjuanjournal.com for details.