Neighborhood Electric Vehicles:

NEV's are legal

The 2003 Legislative Session saw the passage of ESB 5450. allowing Neighborhood Electric Vehicles (NEV's) to be licensed for operation on certain public roads in the State of Washington. Effective August 1, 2003, Department of Licensing began titling and licensing these vehicles.

Defined as a motor vehicle, NEV's are licensed like regular passenger vehicles, and issued standard passenger license plates to be displayed on the front and back of the vehicle. Fees, including any local fees and taxes, apply to NEV's just as they do to other passenger vehicles.

For more information on NEV's, click here.

Bob is supporting a change in speed limits on Mud Bay Road.:

The section of Mud Bay Road near the intersection of Islandale Road is now posted at a 35mph speed limit and, hopefully, will be safer. There had been several accidents on that stretch in years past. It also means NEVs can travel this portion of the road. "This change, will open up a route from the
south end of Lopez to Lopez Village for NEVs (new electric vehicles)
without having to seek a change in state law. I believe we will see more of
these quiet NEVs in the future of San Juan County." Bob notes.

Restoring Stability to the County Planning Department

In keeping with Bob's strong interest in restoring stability to the County's Community Development and Planning Department, Bob joined his fellow commissioners during the week of November 7-11 in interviewing candidates for new director. The county appointed a new Director of Community Develpment and Planning, Ron Henrickson, who started on December 5, 2005. Bob feels he has great experience from his work in Minnesota and Mason County, WA, and encourages citizens to drop by and meet him. In addition, Bob has worked to make sure that the 2006 county budget includes sufficient funds for hiring additional personnel in the permitting and long-range planning offices to bring the planning function back to the level required for careful county planning.

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The County Council Members must work to achieve a smooth transition to the Home Rule Charter

On November 8, 2005, the voters of San Juan County approved a new county Charter and its first amendment. The new Charter will bring changes in county government. (To view a copy of the 17-page new Charter with Amendment, visit the county website: www.co.san-juan.wa.us). The Home Rule Charter will go into effect January 9, 2006. The Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) will meet on January 10 as the new County Council, with three members through 2006. As a current County Commissioner and future Council Member, I believe my role is to effect a smooth transition to the new charter government and continue to strive for excellence in serving the citizens of San Juan County. For more details on the Charter, Click here.

Fisherman Bay Road Safety and Improvement

Bob has been working with the county engineer, staff, and neighbors on moving forward with the plan for a 25mph speed limit through the sharp S-curves on Fisherman Bay Road north of Lopez Village. Under the plan, the curves will be widened and softened enough to allow the large grocery trucks and gravel trucks to pass without crossing over into the oncoming lane--a real safety hazard. Bike and walking lanes will be on both sides of the 25mph road---the speed being reduced to match the level to the south through the village and on around the bay. Bob notes that much credit for this $2+ million project must go to former commissioner Miller and the county engineer who worked with the neighbors on the plan. And Bob is eager to keep it moving for completion over the next couple of years. Flagging the "edges" and acquiring more right-of way is planned for next year. Another public meeting on the road is planned for Thursday, February 2, 4-5:30 pm at the senior center below the fire station. Everyone welcome.

Opinion: What the County Council wants from the County Administrator

Speaking as an individual Council Member, I believe that the County Council is working diligently in our transition to new Charter government. Following the provisions outlined in the Charter, we have selected a part-time, temporary County Administrator, David Goldsmith, who is doing a good job in helping us in the initial phases of the transition. We have initiated the recruitment process for a full-time Administrator whom we hope will be on the job by May.

Click here to read more about Bob's opinion on the Administrator position.

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