News-Times Whidbey
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Cyclocross takes over Fort Nugent A10
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2014 | Vol.124, No. 96 | WWW.WHIDBEYNEWSTIMES.COM | 75¢
Coupeville council calls Dudley visit ‘inappropriate’ By MEGAN HANSEN Staff reporter
Much to the chagrin of Coupeville Town Council, Oak Harbor Mayor Scott Dudley publicly called for Bob Clay’s removal from the Island Transit Board Tuesday. His five-minute presentation during the council meeting’s public comment period was inappropriate and unnecessary, council members said. Citing depleted resources, reduced services and negative cash flow balance, Photo by Jessie Stensland/Whidbey News-Times
EDC Director Ron Nelson, at left, speaks with David Fernandez, owner of Taz’s Auto Services on Goldie Road.
ECONOMIC TUNE-UP
With more funding, leaders expects EDC growth By JESSIE STENSLAND Staff reporter
There’s a reason they call him Taz. David Fernandez, who goes by the hyper-active monicker, recently gave Island County Economic Development Director Ron Nelson a whirlwind tour of his automotive shop on Goldie Road, speedily explaining the benefits of his new equipment and his current projects — which includes an engine rebuild for a 1984 Mustang. Business at Taz’s Auto Services, Fernandez said, has taken off since he got his start just a couple of years ago with the help of Nelson, who provided him with market demographics, worked with him on a business plan, accounting and even assisted with a business permits. “The tools I got from Ron were probably the best tool I could have even
gotten,” Fernandez said, adding that he even gave Nelson’s son free service because he was so pleased with the help. Nelson said it was a pleasure working with Fernandez, who prioritizes ethics and honesty in business. He said he has many other success stories — such as Summit Dogs and Whidbey Distillery — but the one frustration in his job is that he can’t always share them with the public because of confidentiality concerns. Nevertheless, the EDC, under Nelson’s leadership, enjoys the support of local leaders and is in line to get increased funding, though some of those leaders hope that the agency will be able to do more, especially in luring more businesses to the county. Island County Commissioner Jill Johnson said she supports the increased funding to the EDC, but that she will
expect more results in the future. “I think it’s fair to expect a return on investment and to hold the EDC accountable,” she said. “Maintaining the status quo doesn’t grow the economy.” Likewise, Island County Commissioner candidate Rick Hannold, who will come into office shortly, pending a recount, said during his campaign that he would like the EDC to be more of a force in recruiting outside companies to the county. He points to Langley’s IT recruitment program and the successes of the EDC of Skagit County. “I question exactly what they are doing,” he said. “They should be working to diversify the economy. There has to be a reason for young people to stay here.” But contrary to some expectations, SEE EDC, A18
Dudley said Clay and the rest of the Island Transit Board have failed. “Your representative has failed the council,” he said. “Your representative has failed the citizens of your town. Your representative has failed the citizens of Island County.” Dudley made a similar presentation to the Langley City Council last week, asking them to replace Councilman Jim Sundberg on the board. He told the Whidbey SEE VISIT, A5
County extends levy, seeks public input on conservations funds By JANIS REID Staff reporter
County leaders approved a continuation of the conservation futures levy Monday at the same rate as last year despite resident support for a 1-percent increase. Both the county roads and current expense funds were increased by 1 percent for 2015. “When we talked about this levy at work session, I made my best pitch to take the 1 percent in addition to new construction for these funds because I believe it’s a program that’s very valuable to our community and I want to make
sure we preserve it,” said Commissioner Helen Price Johnson. “I was not able to get additional support for that.” The levy passed 2-0 at last year’s amount. Commissioner Aubrey Vaughan, who was attending the meeting via telephone, lost connection prior to the vote. Several residents expressed disappointment that the board did not increase the levy by 1 percent, which they claimed only meant an extra 1 cent per month. They also were concerned that the board SEE FUNDS, A20
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