South Whidbey Record, May 07, 2014

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Record South Whidbey

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Hearts & Hammers See...A3

WEDNESDAY, MAY 7, 2014 | Vol. 90, No. 37 | www.SOUTHWHIDBEYRECORD.com | 75¢

Emerson quits

Janis Reid / The Record

Island County Commissioner Kelly Emerson speaks during a Monday meeting where she announced she would resign in one week’s time. Her last day on the job will be Friday, May 16.

Commissioner to hang up hat, seven months shy of term end By JANIS REID South Whidbey Record Island County Commissioner Kelly Emerson stunned many by announcing her resignation Monday. Emerson gave a one-week notice just seven

months shy of finishing her term. Her resignation came after a heated meeting that highlighted tensions that have long existed within the board. She announced in December her decision not to run for reelection at the end of this year. “I will delightfully relinquish the title at the

end of the week and head off to greener pastures,” Emerson said. “Thank you so much for the opportunity, it has really, truly been an honor.” Emerson, the District 3 commissioner, was often absent or non-participatory at public meetings, abstaining from votes and simply

remaining silent at times. After she was named the chairwoman of the board last year, she was soon stripped of that title after the other two commissioners SEE EMERSON, A17

Langley City Council puts kibosh on Dog House demolition plans; moratorium passed By BEN WATANABE South Whidbey Record

Ben Watanabe / The Record

The Dog House sits vacant on First Street. The owners recently announced plans to demolish the building, but city officials passed a six-month ban prohibiting the destruction of historic buildings this week.

Responding to an inquiry about demolishing the Dog House Tavern by its owner, the Langley City Council approved an emergency moratorium on destruction of historic buildings Monday night. Director of Community Planning Jeff Arango proposed the sixmonth ban, which was unanimously approved by the city council in a 4-0

vote May 5. Councilman Bruce Allen was absent while tending to a family matter, but the council still had its necessary supermajority for the emergency ordinance. “I think it’s a really great interim thing to do,” said Councilwoman Rene Neff. “We bank on our historic charm. When anybody puts that at risk, there’s financial risk too.” Charlie Kleiner, who owns the building with his wife Janice, emailed

Arango in late April asking about the process to tear down the building. In an interview with The Record last week, Kleiner said he felt he was not being helped or supported by the city after his request for a partial street vacation for part of Anthes Avenue was denied. Instead, the city offered to continue the existing arrangement, which allows the SEE DOG HOUSE, A28


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