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Serving Orcas, Lopez and San Juan County
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WEDNESDAY, April 10, 2013 VOL. 46, NO. 15 75¢
Henley answers election questions
Movie magic
by F. MILENE HENLEY
County auditor and ex officio supervisor of elections for SJC
Contributed photo
The Utah Ballroom Dance Company will pay tribute to the icons and music of the silver screen with its production of “CineMagic” at Orcas Center on April 19. See the full story on page 12.
San Juan County has not had an April election for at least 20 years (that’s how far back we looked). But last week, you received your ballot for our upcoming April election. Not surprisingly, there’s a lot of confusion about this election: Why are we having it? Why are we having it now? What races do I get to vote in, and why? Hoping to head off some of the confusion early, I’ve prepared a list of questions and answers about the April election. Q. When is the April election? A. Election Day is April 23. Ballots go to the post office April 3. Q. Why are we having an April election?
A place for victims in their time of need by COLLEEN SMITH ARMSTRONG Editor/Publisher
When a crime is committed, the effects ripple outward and can touch many lives. Victims of crime experience numerous difficulties such as understanding the legal system, testifying in a courtroom and sorting through raw emotions. San Juan County has free resources to help navigate through these challenges. “It doesn’t matter if your crime is current or if you were victim in the past and still have questions,” said Christine Miller, a victim advocate for the Crime Victim Service Center, which is run through the prosecutor’s office. “Sometimes people are witnesses to a pretty violent crime and they need support ... it’s not just always the spouse or the relative who is affected. Sometimes community members need help.” The center is funded by state and federal money from the Office of Crime Victims and the Department of Justice. It has been based out of Friday Harbor since 2006 but serves all county residents. “The prosecutor has done a stellar job in making sure that San Juan County has these
services for victims,” Miller said. refers clients to local resources like Domestic The crime center has a small staff, but is part Violence and Sexual Assault Services, counselof “Region 12,” which includes Skagit County ors and medical facilities. and Bellingham and portions of Snohomish “We can open doors and ask questions and County. guide them in the right direction,” Miller said. It offers services to crime victims and their The center handles victims of robbery, idennon-offending famtity theft, assault, ily members, friends, vehicular incidents, secondary victims, and harassment and hate witnesses. Miller can crimes. It also prolend guidance to vicvides assistance for tims whose cases are family members of Christine Miller can be reached at 370-7610. currently in court, give homicide victims. The office is located on Second Street in investigative interview Miller says the Friday Harbor across from the courthouse. support, help fill out courts see a lot of There is also a 24-hour crisis line for victims protection and antimental health issues of crime: 1-800-346-7555. harassment orders and and more elder provide medical advoabuse and identity cacy for those who are theft than most peoinjured as a result of crime and qualify for ple realize. A common scam is someone posing financial compensation from the state. as a grandchild in an emergency and in need of “If the victim is also a witness, we make sure a wire transfer. they are well cared for during the day of their “We want victims to feel that in our society testimony,” Miller said. “We give them a safe today, there is support,” Miller said. “We will do space … when a victim is going through a trial, our best to listen to you and do what we can to it’s extremely stressful.” find a proper resource.” The center does not offer therapy, but
How to reach the Crime Victim Service center
A. The first of the three Charter amendments adopted by the voters last November changed the number of county council members from six to three. In order to expedite implementation of the charter changes, the amendment required a February “primary” election and an April “general” election to select the three new council members. Q. What races will be on the ballot in April? A. All three new council positions will be on the ballot. In addition, Lopez Island School District is running a measure to issue a capital bond. Q. Which races do I get to vote in? A. The first charter amendment not only changed the number of council members, it also changed the way the positions are elected. It provided that the three council members be residents of designated “Residency Districts,” but be elected by all voters with-
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