The
INSIDE Letters
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 2 Anne and George Willis photo
Why we report on crime
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 3
Thanks United Way
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 6
www.islandsweekly.com 360-376-4500
Islands’ eekly W
VOLUME 38, NUMBER 41 • OCTOBER 13, 2015
Islanders stand against domestic violence By Colleen Smith Armstrong Publisher
It takes a community to prevent, recognize and end violence in the home. “Domestic violence is something that places like the school, churches and family resource centers all see too – it’s not just DVSAS and the sheriff’s office,” said Kim Bryan, director for Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Services of the San Juan Islands. In honor of domestic violence awareness month this October, DVSAS is presenting events and raising awareness through outreach. Domestic violence is defined as “the willful intimidation, physical assault, battery, sexual assault and or other abusive behavior as part of a systematic pattern of power and control perpetrated by one intimate partner against another. It includes physical violence, sexual violence, psychological violence and emotional abuse,” according to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence. San Juan County Prosecuting Attorney Randy Gaylord says domestic violence is present in many of the cases he prosecutes. “Sometimes serious crimes don’t get recognized as domestic violence when in fact they are,” he said. “Domestic violence is something that repeats itself over and over again. It must be treated the first time it happens with zero tolerance.”
Georgeana Cook
Experienced Educator, Concerned Parent and Committed Community Volunteer Asking for Your Vote And the Opportunity to Serve As a Member of Our School Board Serving Lopez since 2006 Past board member of Lopez Community Center and San Juan County United Way Lopez Island School District’s Finance Committee and Renovation Committee Paid for by the Committee to Elect Georgeana M Cook to School Board, PO Box 740, Lopez Island WA 98261
On average, nearly 20 people per minute are physically abused by an intimate partner in the United States. During one year, this equates to more than 10 million women and men. “We see domestic violence across the socio-economic spectrum,” Gaylord said. “For households that have other stressors going on – like the loss of a job or family difficulties – it can be a factor in the incidence of domestic violence. It’s also a pattern that people learn from a young age.” The mission of DVSAS is the prevention and elimination of domestic violence and sexual assault through victim services, education, community awareness and social change. All services are free and confidential. “We are a victim services agency, so if we weren’t here, then where would victims go?” Bryan said. “Where would they get the advocacy they need? We want to empower victims and survivors of domestic violence to re-establish their lives.”
The court system
Gaylord says many of his office’s domestic violence cases stem from police calls. “We have a new case almost weekly,” he said. “Domestic violence covers a lot of different things like striking someone, sexual misconduct between people in a relationship,
damage to property and stalking.” Gaylord said the most common crimes he sees originate from frustration over broken relationships, and end in “assault in the fourth degree,” which is the lowest charge. “Many of the cases we see are excessive pushing or breaking of phones or items around the house,” Gaylord said. A report is made when 911 is called and is referred to the prosecutor’s office. But those who seek help from DVSAS are not required to report it to authorities unless they want to pursue charges. Gaylord is clear that the prosecutor’s office is completely separate from the community-based work of DVSAS.
Stand up Men program
Last May, DVSAS asked island men to take a stand in opposition to violence against women by donating $100. The list of names was published in the local newspapers, and it helped get the conversation started about how men are a big part of the solution. Stand Up Men action groups have started on San Juan and Orcas, and there are plans for a Lopez group. The men meet monthly to learn, organize and plan ways to engage their communities. For more information, contact DVSAS Advocate Richard Low at richard@DVSASsanjuans.org.
Port of Lopez Candidate Q&A | Part IV The Islands’ Weekly is running a series of Q&As with the Port of Lopez Commissioners candidates. The Q&As will run Sept. 22, 29, Oct. 6 and Oct. 13 . Question: Is there anything else you’d like voters to know about your positions and why they should cast a vote in your favor? Kenn Aufderhar Is there anything else you’d like voters to know about your positions and why they should cast a vote in your favor? I hope to develop the confidence of the community and represent you in a fair and honest way for the long term good of the port and the island. There have been many forward thinking projects the port has taken on that will keep the costs low while keeping the airport safe and useful. My experience in business, contracts, budgets and commercial construction will help keep the port efficient and the community informed. I have a lot to learn about the port and it’s responsibilities but look forward to the challenge. Steve Adams Our port is in great
financial condition (based on actual budget figures) and project a surplus next year. Our reserve is healthy, and would cover more than a year of operating budget if needed. The state allows Ports an average tax increase of 1% per year. The total Port tax increase for the last 6 years translates to a total increase of $2.00 per year for property valued at $500.000, well below inflation. Long range financial projects include; newly added rental income, achieving net-zero energy use, increasing rental income as hangers become Port property as leases expire; permanent solution to tree hazards. We are accomplishing all of this while maintaining one of the lowest Port tax rates in our state (WPPS and State Data). We are not trained attorneys and serve the public well by hiring lawyers with wide experience in laws pertaining to Port districts throughout the state to help us navigate all laws pertaining to our actions. All dealings with the FAA or SJC have been aboveboard and beyond reproach.
My goals for the next term include: (1) Maintaining a safe airport; (2) Making areas where trees are removed aesthetically pleasing to local community; (3) Keeping our airport small and rural, there are NO plans (and have never been) to lengthen our runway; (4) Continuing to maintain our “excellent” relationship with the FAA ; (5) Achieving net-zero energy use; (6)Developing long range plans using community input similar to our successful forum in 2013. For more information: www.steveadamsforpor t. com/Campaign.htm Ed Kilduff Our Port needs help, and that’s why I’ve taken the following positions and pledges: 1. I will work to ensure our airport is safe for all users, especially for emergency transport. Bringing our airport into compliance with FAA safety requirements must happen quickly. 2. I will work for better, broader, more open public participation. I will strive to make our Port activities more transparent. 3. I will work for an air-
port that is of appropriate scale for our island. I will work to put a stop to the rapid, unnecessary, and expensive expansion. I will work to ensure that our airport is a good neighbor, not a bully. 4. I will work to improve the desperate financial situation of our Port, selling assets if possible (especially the Fish Bay property). 5. I will work closely with the FAA to improve compliance with FAA assurances. I will demand an FAA audit of our airport finances. I will comply with FAA environmental requirements. For all FAA assurances where we are falling short, I will work to establish a corrective action plan. 6. I will work for truly fair deals on leases of airport property, and transparency on all contracts. 7. I will work to engage an independent CPA firm to assist in providing thirdparty advice and expertise on Port financial matters ... as well as audit assistance. I have clear policy differences with incumbent Steve Adams, my opponent. Help me help Lopezians turn our Port around.