SJC Council Members Take County Interests to Olympia

Governor Jay Inslee and SJC Council Member Jamie Stephens – Contributed photo

Since the State Legislature convened in mid-January, San Juan County Council Member Jamie Stephens has traveled to the state capital at least once every other week to lobby for the County’s interests in issues ranging from capital projects to jet noise.

With budget shortfalls at all levels of government, and large and small counties jostling for attention, Stephens says, “It’s important that we show up to remind the legislature we are out here and that we have unique challenges.”

The legislators whose districts include San Juan County have been extremely responsive, according to Stephens. “It’s been great working with Representatives Kristine Lytton and Jeff Morris and Senator Kevin Ranker. They have all been helpful and really good about making time for all of the San Juan County people who have come down.”

In January, Stephens took the Council’s top three capital project priorities to Olympia and two of the three proposals are still alive: Funding for the construction of the Pear Point-Turn Point connector road on San Juan Island, and funding for a feasibility study for the relocation of MacKaye Harbor road on Lopez. Funding for construction of the Orcas Village Park and Ride project did not make the legislature’s first cut this year. However Stephens remains optimistic about winning funds for the first phase of the Eastsound stormwater project.

Stephens is also hopeful that the legislature will approve a measure that would automatically include San Juan County in the state’s Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB). That could help stabilize the cost of the County’s employee health insurance coverage.

Though face time with the Governor is at a premium during the legislative session, last month Stephens was able to arrange a one-on-one meeting with Governor Jay Inslee to discuss issues with the new ferry reservation system and the jet noise problem from Whidbey Naval Air Station. Governor Inslee arranged for Stephens to meet with his military policy advisor. Additionally Stephens has met with the Governor’s transportation policy and public safety advisors about regulations on the transport of licensed marijuana products via the state ferry system.

As a member of the Washington Association of Counties (WSAC) legislative steering committee, Stephens has more clout in dealing with broader issues. “We’re facing budget issues that affect all County governments,” Stephens said. “Because the state has been trying to cover its own budget shortfalls, the Public Works Assistance Fund has been cleaned out, we’ve lost money from liquor sales, and other sources of shared revenue have been reduced.”

Another concern results from the decision to combine the state’s chemical dependency programs with mental health programs. “There are a lot of pieces to that puzzle and we need to make sure there is adequate funding for the regional networks that provide those vital services to our residents.”

Though Stephens is San Juan County’s primary voice to the legislature, on occasion, Councilman Rick Hughes has joined the lobbying effort. A bill Hughes advocated – to allow road funds to fund the construction and maintenance of marine facilities in the islands was passed by the House of Representatives.

“One tough lesson I’ve learned here,” Stephens said, “is that until a bill gets to the Governor’s desk, anything can happen at any time.” Stephens has spent time in Olympia in past years however, “I have to say, this is the first year that I really understand how the process works.”

Stephens’ effectiveness has been recognized by representatives from other Counties and, in addition to his position on the WSAC legislative steering committee, he was selected to the WSAC’s Coastal Caucus. That group includes 14 Coastal Counties ranging from King and Whatcom Counties to Grays Harbor and Pacific. Among his activities on behalf of the Coastal Caucus has been testifying before the House Committee for the Environment on behalf of HB 1449. That bill would fund oversight and improve safety precautions on marine and rail transportation of oil.

Washington’s 2015 legislative session is scheduled to end on April 26.

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