Journal
The
NEWS | Orcas man charged with assault with a deadly weapon [2] FOOD | Lavendar scone recipe [9] ARTS | Music on the Lawn coming soon [16]
WEDNESDAY, July 15, 2015 n VOL. 108, NO. 28 n 75¢
Spring Street building begins
Forum heats up Hospital Commissioner hopefuls debate the issues
By Anna V. Smith
By Anna V. Smith
Journal reporter
The construction is now set to begin July 15 on the Spring Street Landing Commercial Building on Front Street. The Friday Harbor Port Commission awarded the project to Wellman and Zuck Construction for $5.375 million, the lowest bidder. San Juan Safaris, San Juan Excursions and Downriggers Restaurant will be renewing their occupancy of the building since it burned down Aug. 17, 2013. “We wanted to assure them that they could come back,” said Port of Friday Harbor Commissioner Greg Hertel. “So we passed a resolution that all those businesses there before the fire would get a chance to return.” Only one tenant decided not to return. The space will be filled by San Juan Island Whale and Wildlife Tours. The tour businesses will be on the first floor looking out at the port and towards the ferry, and Downriggers will be on the second floor with outside seating. There will also be a large public deck that faces the water, an addition from the last version of the landing. “There’s a huge public access that wasn’t there before,” Hertel said. He added that a sidewalk will connect the landing to the Port of Friday Harbor offices to allow for more foot traffic. According to Hertel, there was some concern amongst the commissioners about choosing Wellman and Zuck, a construction company from Bellingham, because of delays in other construction they’ve done on the island such as San Juan Island Museum of Art and Island Inn at 123 West. See LANDING, Page 4
Elwha is still out of service Journal reporter
By Anna V. Smith Journal reporter
The three candidates running for Public Hospital District Commissioner Position No. 2 answered questions from the public at a forum hosted by the San Juan Public Library on July 7. Ninety-five people attended, filling up the library’s community room. The forum, moderated by Scott Rasmussen, allowed audience members to submit questions about the candidate’s professional and personal qualifications. Questions also delved into religious, political and affiliate influences. When asked what sort of qualifications they would bring to the position, Dr. Michelle Loftus presented herself as knowledgeable about the medical field from her background as a veterinarian. Daniel Miller told the audience that he had raised money for cancer through Relay for Life, and had enthusiasm for the position. Barbara Sharp recalled her background as an attorney, saying that she has experience in analyzing data, critical thinking, and legal contracts. Two hot button topics touched on at different points were abortion and doctor assisted suicide. One question asked of the candidates, “Why is Peace Health getting public funds when they don’t honor all end of life and beginning of life directives?” Loftus answered that they do allow people to make their own decisions, Miller replied that he was staunchly against assisted suicide and Sharp pointed out that Peace Health has two conflict-
Staff photo/ Anna V. Smith
Left to Right: Dr. Michelle Loftus, Barbara Sharp and Daniel Miller.
ing policies regarding end-of-life directives. She added that was something she wanted to work with the hospital to rectify. The audience asked about the high turnover rate of employees at Peace Island Medical Center, and what the candidates might do to stabilize practitioners. Loftus asked for the community to be patient, noting PIMC has only been here two and half years, and that: “Life happens, sometimes we need to take a break.” Miller said he would make sure that pay is competitive, and that working conditions were good. Sharp said that the board currently did not have control over hiring and firing, but she would like the board to have more control. She suggested revising contracts with practitioners to make them longer, instead of one year contracts. Loftus’ affiliation as chairwoman of the San Juan County Republicans in 2014 was questioned, asked if it would affect her judgement in this nonpartisan position. She replied it would not. Another audience member asked the candidates what it meant to them that Planned Parenthood endorsed Sharp, but did not endorse Miller or Loftus. Sharp replied that they provided vital community resources and that PIMC should be considering them as a partner in those services. Miller said that he is “pro life” and “that’s not an important question to me,” and Loftus replied that due to her “pro life” position, “it would be very inappropriate for me to have a Planned Parenthood endorsement.” See FORUM, Page 4
The Elwha ferry is out of service until further notice due to “necessary repairs to the vessel,” as of Friday, July 10, according to a Washington State Department of Transportation transit alert bulletin. Spokesperson for WSDOT Ferry Division Ian Sterling says the problem is a complicated electrical issue having to do with the drive motor, but replacement parts are on hand and repairs are being made in Eagle Harbor. Elwha ferry times were cancelled on Friday, with the inter-island ferry Klahowya and the 124-car ferry Chelan picking up the Elwha routes. Reservation holders were loaded on a first come-first serve basis, and were not charged with See ELWHA, Page 4
Real Estate in the
San Juan Islands July 2015
Published the third Wednesday of each month by the Journal of the San Juan Islands, Islands’ Sounder and Islands’ Weekly
Steve E. Martin photo
PO Box 171 Eastsound, WA 98245 360.376.2145 www.orcasislandrealty.com
Deer Harbor Home
Mountain Top Compound
Privacy abounds on 19+ acre estate above Puget Sound with mountain & marine vistas. Custom 3776 sq.ft., 4 bedrm main home blends natural northwest aesthetic with the elegance of the East. Dramatic entry, formal dining & views from all rooms. Private guest house nestled among evergreens. Includes additional 2nd parcel with camping cabin.
Homes on one parcel $1,995,000 or on two lots $2,400,000
Wendy Thomas Kathryn Sherman photo
Lisa Botiller Wolford
MLS# 776416
Water view 3 bedroom home with views of the Olympic Mountains & Cayou Valley estuary. Guest studio for overnight guests or home office. Main floor bedroom with bay window. Master suite w/full bath & french doors, private deck.Other features: Large barn-style shop/boathouse with loft, greenhouse & hot tub. Perennial flower beds with garden paths create a paradise on this fully fenced 1+ acre.
$589,000
Mary Clure
Locally Owned and Operated
MLS# 782094
Victoria Shaner
Asya Eberle
Real Estate in the San Juan Islands
See inside for June’s real estate sales, listings and statistics.