Journal
The
Page 11
WEDNESDAY, October 28, 2015 VOL. 108, NO. 43 75¢
Saying goodbye to Howard Remembering Gene Knapp By Anna V. Smith Journal reporter
Journal report
It is with a very heavy heart that we announce the death of long-time Journal columnist and sales rep Howard Schonberger, shown above. Howard was incredibly active in the community and was the heart and soul of the Journal. He worked in the newspaper industry his entire life and brought humor and wisdom to those around him. “The Journal will not be the same without Howard, but we will remember his amazing spirit and always strive to make him proud,” said Journal publisher
Colleen Smith Armstrong. “Howard was a shining light in our newsroom from his jokes to his work ethic to his generosity. We will never forget his friendship, advice and love for journalism,” said editor Cali Bagby. “I loved Howard’s songs and stories, he could always brighten my day,” said Cherie Sarrett, ad manager. “Howard’s life-long commitment to journalism is See HOWARD, Page 2
San Juan County sued for alleged withholding of public record files By Anna V. Smith Journal reporter
A lawsuit filed Oct. 9 against San Juan County and county prosecutor Randall Gaylord alleges that the county and its employees violated Washington State’s Public Records Act. “This case is about elected officials and public employees conspiring to conceal improper governmental conduct from the public,” reads the introduction to the 293-page complaint that was filed in Skagit County Superior Court. According to Nicholas Power, a lawyer for plaintiff Sheryl Albritton, the complaint was filed in Skagit County due to the fact that San Juan County is one of the defendants. The detailed complaint is the latest in a series of memorandums from prosecuting attorney Randall Gaylord produced in March and San Juan County
Council in June concerning permit applications for a building near wetlands on a Portland Fair property and allegations of improper governmental action. Both memorandums deemed the issue resolved, with the council stating that no improper governmental action had occurred. Gaylord’s memorandum said the wetland delineation process was not followed, but that “no further action is needed to comply with the law.” The complaint states that a public records request was submitted by the plaintiff March 15 requesting “copies of all documents within enforcement file PCINQ-15-0003 related to ERTS# 654194,” the file regarding the wetlands information and information regarding the process. The complaint alleges See COUNTY, Page 4
What do you remember best about Gene Knapp? A myriad of things come to people’s mind: his success as an attorney, his passion for land use issues, his involvement with the Land Bank and San Juan County Council. But overwhelmingly it was his calming disposition that set him apart. Gene passed away at his home on Orcas Island Oct. 18 after an extended illness. “One thing I learned from him after time is listening very carefully to people and making sure you treat them with respect and dignity. Those are very important things,” said Charles Silverman, who served as San Juan County prosecuting attorney criminal deputy under Gene. “Sometimes lawyers jump up and down and never stop talking, I know I’m that way. And that wasn’t Gene, He would listen, contemplate, and then say something.” Gene and his wife Tish Knapp arrived to the islands from Seattle to live full time in 1979 on Orcas Island, though Gene had owned a farm there since 1966. Gene accepted a position as San Juan County Prosecuting Attorney in 1980, making Silverman his deputy. “I was a kid who came from New Jersey and everything is black and white and you meet someone like Gene and realize it has nothing to do with you,” Silverman said. “It’s your responsibility to work with the community and keeping your mouth shut sometimes to hear what they have to say,” Tish recalls that shortly after Gene accepted the position, a slew of murders rang through the county, including the memorable Rolf Neslund case that Gene’s office won, despite the absence of a body as evidence. But, Tish said, Gene was most interested in land use issues, and helping to guide the county in proper zoning and comprehensive use plans to preserve the islands. “The fact that this place is still beautiful and hasn’t been developed in the wrong way is so hugely
a part of his work,” Tish said. Tish tells the story about how the two first met, on a cruise in the Caribbean. Tish was with two friends that she describes as gorgeous. “And he walked right past those women to me. I thought Santa Claus had just dropped him down my chimney. Either we were in love or we were seasick, we didn’t know which,” Tish said laughing. After the days on the cruise and a visit to the Pacific Northwest, Tish stayed for good, building a family with their children from previous marriages and their own. “He was so real and unaffected, and had integrity,” Tish said. “I lived with this man and his integrity was unquestionable. He was so truthful and he dealt with people so much like that. I’ve never met anybody who was so much like that than Gene.” Gene served as prosecuting attorney from 1979-1986, and then continued at a private practice in Mt. Vernon and Bellingham, commuting to the islands daily. “I never heard one word of See KNAPP, Page 4
Early Deadlines for Thanksgiving Sales deadline: Nov. 18 for Nov. 25 Journal