What does Bob Myhr say on County issues?

Living in the San Juans – “I cherish the very talented, fiercely independent, and relatively diverse people who chose to live here…the unsurpassed natural surroundings and abundance of wildlife…and the quality and tranquility of island life.”

The Growth Management Act – “Good, bad or indifferent, the county committed itself to the GMA in 1990. In its essence, it is now the law that we must follow. I believe that as painful as it seems at times, the GMA can have a significant positive influence on this county by requiring us to think ahead and carefully plan the management of future growth.”

Affordable housing – “ We [the County] can be strong advocates to encourage innovative, non-profit affordable housing projects. Some funds will be needed from the county for planning and helping to seek grant and loan funds that may be available from state and federal programs.”

Planning Department – “We have good people working for county government. We need to let them do their work according to clear policy guidelines without interference from the BOCC. The planning department function is one of the most important aspects for the long-term health of our community.”

Education and jobs for our youth – “We should encourage all of our young people to get as much education as possible so that they may develop the skills that may be needed on the islands. We should encourage local businesses to try whenever possible to hire young persons from island families.”

BOCC Leadership – “The BOCC should be responsive to the desires and needs of our citizens. But above all, the BOCC should work as a team and provide leadership to share our common vision and achieve our common goals while respecting our diversity and independence. As leaders we need to search for and support innovative solutions to address our common concerns and lead in the protection of the essential community and environmental characteristics that we all cherish.”

Economic base of the islands – “Tourism and construction will continue to be major factors in our economy. Construction benefits a lot of skilled personnel and will continue to be a major contributor for middle income. Often overlooked, are the economic benefits from the retirement community. Retirees provide a stable year-round source of income for local businesses and do little to increase the demand for county services.”

Life sustaining resources – “Our life sustaining resources are two-fold. First, the natural environment around us - we need to keep reminding all of the community of the fragility of these resources, hear what people value, and lead in protection of these resources in our county policies. The second resource is the creative and talented people who live here. Their diversity, independence, wide range of skills, ideas, and convictions as citizens of the county, are what help sustain a lively and exciting community.”

View Bob's Full Position Statement

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