Topic: Opinion
Letter from Sarah Werling Sandwith
Written on December 31, 2021 at 4:46 pm, by Tim Dustrude
Dear Editor, On February 8, 2022, the community of San Juan Island will be asked to vote to renew a local property tax. The Educational Programs and Operations Levy funds our local public schools, 100% of which stays in our community, supporting our students in programs not funded by the state. This levy is renewed Continue Reading
Letter from J. Michael Edwards
Written on December 31, 2021 at 4:44 pm, by Tim Dustrude
In the mailbag this afternoon we find this letter to you from J. Michael Edwards… The PHD #1 Again ‘Missing the Boat’ In their press release of Nov. 24, 2021 the PHD #1 stated: “On November 2, 2021, residents voted for San Juan Island EMS to remain under the jurisdiction of San Juan County Public Continue Reading
Letter from Victoria
Written on November 3, 2021 at 5:44 am, by Tim Dustrude
In the SJ Update mailbag this morning there is this letter to you from Victoria Compton… Dear Island Neighbors, Thank you infinitely for your words of encouragement, your advice, and for sharing your thoughts about our island’s Port during my campaign. I was so proud and humbled to be able to carry your hopes for Continue Reading
Letter about Mullis Center Election
Written on November 2, 2021 at 5:40 am, by Tim Dustrude
In today’s mailbag, Bonnie Sliger shares this with you… My name is Bonnie Sliger and I am running for a position on the Mullis Center District Committee. If you are 60 and over or are disabled, and live in the San Juan District, please be sure to vote November 8th thru 11th at the Mullis Continue Reading
In the Mailbag…
Written on November 1, 2021 at 5:39 am, by Tim Dustrude
In the SJ Update mailbag today we have this letter from Alice Deane… Please be sure to vote in the very important upcoming election for District Committee members of the Mullis Senior Center. The true and correct information on what has become a very contentious election can be found at the Mullis Center website www.mulliscenter.org Continue Reading
Letters on the Upcoming Election
Written on October 31, 2021 at 5:10 am, by Tim Dustrude
Below are links to letters regarding various items on the upcoming election. Letters are shown in the order received and this page will continue to be updated as more letters come in. Letters for and against SJC Public Hospital District No. 1 Proposition No. 1 Authorizing Regular Property Tax Levy: Alison Longley Lee Sturdivant Warren Continue Reading
In the Mailbag…
Written on October 27, 2021 at 5:40 am, by Tim Dustrude
In the SJ Update Mailbag this morning we have this letter from Frank Penwell… Dear Islanders, Mullis Center election issues of 2021 are important. Issues: Senior Voting rights. The current Board ended voting rights, and it took a 2-year lawsuit to force that Board to hold elections. WHY? Questions surrounding finances. The current Board has Continue Reading
Letter about Redistricting
Written on October 5, 2021 at 9:35 am, by Tim Dustrude
In the Update mailbag this morning we have this letter from San Juan County Council member Cindy Wolf… Hello Editor, Census numbers are in and the proposed redistricting maps are out. You can see them at https://www.redistricting.wa.gov/commissioner-proposed-maps. In my opinion, the strongest move we can make this week for the future of our ferry system Continue Reading
Letter from Susan Grout
Written on September 29, 2021 at 5:42 am, by Tim Dustrude
In the SJ Update mailbag today we have this letter from Susan Grout… Editor: A number of us are very concerned about a serious problem on our island. There is a critical shortage of trained home health caregivers. In order to remedy this situation, which could affect all of us at some point, we urge Continue Reading
EDC invites input from businesses, residents, on WSF service disruptions
Written on September 25, 2021 at 7:45 am, by Tim Dustrude
The EDC invites island business owners, workers and residents to participate in a survey regarding Washington State Ferries service disruptions this past summer. Islanders are invited to participate in the survey here: https://forms.gle/uzXU6vy3tujUyuSR9 Anecdotal information and data derived from the survey will be used to better understand economic and other impacts from ferry service Continue Reading
Letters
Written on September 22, 2021 at 10:09 am, by Tim Dustrude
In the SJ Update Mailbag today we have this letter from the SJC Republican Party Chair, Daniel Schwartz… Statement on Vaccine Mandates San Juan County Republican PartyThe Republican Party is not anti-vaccine: it is for the right of a free and informed citizenry to make its own health choices.Never in our 245-year history have federal, Continue Reading
Letters
Written on September 12, 2021 at 10:58 am, by Tim Dustrude
In the mailbag this morning we have this letter from Sasha von Dassow… To the Editor: 9/11/21 At 6 am on the 20th anniversary of 9/11 we in the San Juan Islands are at a standstill because a few folks working in the state ferry system decided to stage a sick out in protest of Continue Reading
Letters
Written on August 18, 2021 at 5:40 am, by Tim Dustrude
In the SJ Update Mailbag this morning we have this letter from Dr. Mark Fishout… The summer of 1940 saw the Battle of Britain, the aerial conflict between the Royal Air Force and the German Luftwaffe, reach its apex. When in this speech Churchill stated ‘Never in the field of human conflict was so much Continue Reading
Letters for the November Election
Written on November 2, 2020 at 4:00 am, by Tim Dustrude
You can see letters from individuals at the links below. As more letters come in, this list will be updated so be sure to check back. Letters are posted in the order received in support of: Ryan Palmateer Winnie Adams and Bob Gamble Steve Ulvi and Lynette Roberts Christopher Minney Cindy Wolf Winnie Adams and Continue Reading
Letters
Written on September 29, 2020 at 10:45 am, by Tim Dustrude
In the mailbag this morning we find this letter from Anna Maria de Freitas… As I listen to the rain bounce off my sky light and feel the fall chill settle in the air, I know that the days of outdoor dining for me and my restaurant industry colleagues are quickly coming to an end. Continue Reading
Letters
Written on September 28, 2020 at 9:45 am, by Tim Dustrude
In the SJ Update mail bag this morning we have this letter from Justin Paulsen… If 2020 has highlighted nothing else within our country it is that political division has seeped into every function of our society. As our current generation navigates social, health and economic waters which have never before been explored, one factor Continue Reading
A Critique of Public Hospital District #1’s Reorganization of EMS
Written on September 1, 2020 at 8:53 pm, by Peggy Sue McRae
We hear from Francis Smith, Retired Sr. EMT & Fire Captain (25 years)… The San Juan Island Public Hospital District #1 (PHD) recently announced a surprise reorganization of San Juan Island EMS. Chief Karl Kuetzing has been removed and the PHD Superintendent is now in charge of the agency. The published announcement is a study in Continue Reading
Letter in Support of Christine Minney
Written on July 27, 2020 at 5:45 am, by Tim Dustrude
A truly remarkable woman is running for the San Juan Island seat on the county council. Christine Minney owns and runs Ernie’s restaurant with her husband Patrick and raises much of the produce for the restaurant in her garden. She has a 24-year history on the island, during which time she has owned and/or worked Continue Reading
Letter in Support of Ryan Palmateer
Written on July 22, 2020 at 6:40 am, by Tim Dustrude
In the San Juan Update mailbag this morning we find this letter from Karin Agosta… A friend asked me yesterday about Ryan Palmateer’s strengths as a candidate for San Juan County Council District 1. This is a great question in today’s confusing, demanding world. Here’s what I wrote her: First, his work in sustainable construction Continue Reading
Letter in Support of Ryan Palmateer
Written on July 15, 2020 at 8:42 am, by Tim Dustrude
In the mailbag this morning we have this letter from Katie Fleming… Dear Editor, I support Ryan Palmateer for the County Council District 1 position. I have worked with Ryan for 3 years on energy conservation, renewable energy promotion, and climate action programs in the San Juan Islands. Ryan is very committed to the resiliency Continue Reading
Letters
Written on July 10, 2020 at 8:40 am, by Tim Dustrude
Today in the SJ Update Mailbag we have this letter from Gay Graham… To the Editor: Covid-19 has caused us to make any number of changes in the paths that we used to take. One of these can be forgetting to renew or not having the opportunity to support those organizations and causes that need Continue Reading
Letters
Written on July 8, 2020 at 1:45 pm, by Tim Dustrude
In the SJ Update Mailbag we have this letter today from Daniel Schwartz, SJC Republican Precinct Committee Officer… Response to the San Juan County Democrats Resolution on Police Reform The San Juan County Democrats have produced a resolution filled with the fabrications, revisionist history, and outright falsehoods that make up the woke playbook of today’s Continue Reading
Letter from Sarah Werling Sandwith
Written on December 31, 2021 at 4:46 pm, by Tim Dustrude
Dear Editor, On February 8, 2022, the community of San Juan Island will be asked to vote to renew a local property tax. The Educational Programs and Operations Levy funds our local public schools, 100% of which stays in our community, supporting our students in programs not funded by the state. This levy is renewed Continue Reading
Letter from J. Michael Edwards
Written on December 31, 2021 at 4:44 pm, by Tim Dustrude
In the mailbag this afternoon we find this letter to you from J. Michael Edwards… The PHD #1 Again ‘Missing the Boat’ In their press release of Nov. 24, 2021 the PHD #1 stated: “On November 2, 2021, residents voted for San Juan Island EMS to remain under the jurisdiction of San Juan County Public Continue Reading
Letter from Victoria
Written on November 3, 2021 at 5:44 am, by Tim Dustrude
In the SJ Update mailbag this morning there is this letter to you from Victoria Compton… Dear Island Neighbors, Thank you infinitely for your words of encouragement, your advice, and for sharing your thoughts about our island’s Port during my campaign. I was so proud and humbled to be able to carry your hopes for Continue Reading
Letter about Mullis Center Election
Written on November 2, 2021 at 5:40 am, by Tim Dustrude
In today’s mailbag, Bonnie Sliger shares this with you… My name is Bonnie Sliger and I am running for a position on the Mullis Center District Committee. If you are 60 and over or are disabled, and live in the San Juan District, please be sure to vote November 8th thru 11th at the Mullis Continue Reading
In the Mailbag…
Written on November 1, 2021 at 5:39 am, by Tim Dustrude
In the SJ Update mailbag today we have this letter from Alice Deane… Please be sure to vote in the very important upcoming election for District Committee members of the Mullis Senior Center. The true and correct information on what has become a very contentious election can be found at the Mullis Center website www.mulliscenter.org Continue Reading
Letters on the Upcoming Election
Written on October 31, 2021 at 5:10 am, by Tim Dustrude
Below are links to letters regarding various items on the upcoming election. Letters are shown in the order received and this page will continue to be updated as more letters come in. Letters for and against SJC Public Hospital District No. 1 Proposition No. 1 Authorizing Regular Property Tax Levy: Alison Longley Lee Sturdivant Warren Continue Reading
In the Mailbag…
Written on October 27, 2021 at 5:40 am, by Tim Dustrude
In the SJ Update Mailbag this morning we have this letter from Frank Penwell… Dear Islanders, Mullis Center election issues of 2021 are important. Issues: Senior Voting rights. The current Board ended voting rights, and it took a 2-year lawsuit to force that Board to hold elections. WHY? Questions surrounding finances. The current Board has Continue Reading
Letter about Redistricting
Written on October 5, 2021 at 9:35 am, by Tim Dustrude
In the Update mailbag this morning we have this letter from San Juan County Council member Cindy Wolf… Hello Editor, Census numbers are in and the proposed redistricting maps are out. You can see them at https://www.redistricting.wa.gov/commissioner-proposed-maps. In my opinion, the strongest move we can make this week for the future of our ferry system Continue Reading
Letter from Susan Grout
Written on September 29, 2021 at 5:42 am, by Tim Dustrude
In the SJ Update mailbag today we have this letter from Susan Grout… Editor: A number of us are very concerned about a serious problem on our island. There is a critical shortage of trained home health caregivers. In order to remedy this situation, which could affect all of us at some point, we urge Continue Reading
EDC invites input from businesses, residents, on WSF service disruptions
Written on September 25, 2021 at 7:45 am, by Tim Dustrude
The EDC invites island business owners, workers and residents to participate in a survey regarding Washington State Ferries service disruptions this past summer. Islanders are invited to participate in the survey here: https://forms.gle/uzXU6vy3tujUyuSR9 Anecdotal information and data derived from the survey will be used to better understand economic and other impacts from ferry service Continue Reading
Letters
Written on September 22, 2021 at 10:09 am, by Tim Dustrude
In the SJ Update Mailbag today we have this letter from the SJC Republican Party Chair, Daniel Schwartz… Statement on Vaccine Mandates San Juan County Republican PartyThe Republican Party is not anti-vaccine: it is for the right of a free and informed citizenry to make its own health choices.Never in our 245-year history have federal, Continue Reading
Letters
Written on September 12, 2021 at 10:58 am, by Tim Dustrude
In the mailbag this morning we have this letter from Sasha von Dassow… To the Editor: 9/11/21 At 6 am on the 20th anniversary of 9/11 we in the San Juan Islands are at a standstill because a few folks working in the state ferry system decided to stage a sick out in protest of Continue Reading
Letters
Written on August 18, 2021 at 5:40 am, by Tim Dustrude
In the SJ Update Mailbag this morning we have this letter from Dr. Mark Fishout… The summer of 1940 saw the Battle of Britain, the aerial conflict between the Royal Air Force and the German Luftwaffe, reach its apex. When in this speech Churchill stated ‘Never in the field of human conflict was so much Continue Reading
Letters for the November Election
Written on November 2, 2020 at 4:00 am, by Tim Dustrude
You can see letters from individuals at the links below. As more letters come in, this list will be updated so be sure to check back. Letters are posted in the order received in support of: Ryan Palmateer Winnie Adams and Bob Gamble Steve Ulvi and Lynette Roberts Christopher Minney Cindy Wolf Winnie Adams and Continue Reading
Letters
Written on September 29, 2020 at 10:45 am, by Tim Dustrude
In the mailbag this morning we find this letter from Anna Maria de Freitas… As I listen to the rain bounce off my sky light and feel the fall chill settle in the air, I know that the days of outdoor dining for me and my restaurant industry colleagues are quickly coming to an end. Continue Reading
Letters
Written on September 28, 2020 at 9:45 am, by Tim Dustrude
In the SJ Update mail bag this morning we have this letter from Justin Paulsen… If 2020 has highlighted nothing else within our country it is that political division has seeped into every function of our society. As our current generation navigates social, health and economic waters which have never before been explored, one factor Continue Reading
A Critique of Public Hospital District #1’s Reorganization of EMS
Written on September 1, 2020 at 8:53 pm, by Peggy Sue McRae
We hear from Francis Smith, Retired Sr. EMT & Fire Captain (25 years)… The San Juan Island Public Hospital District #1 (PHD) recently announced a surprise reorganization of San Juan Island EMS. Chief Karl Kuetzing has been removed and the PHD Superintendent is now in charge of the agency. The published announcement is a study in Continue Reading
Letter in Support of Christine Minney
Written on July 27, 2020 at 5:45 am, by Tim Dustrude
A truly remarkable woman is running for the San Juan Island seat on the county council. Christine Minney owns and runs Ernie’s restaurant with her husband Patrick and raises much of the produce for the restaurant in her garden. She has a 24-year history on the island, during which time she has owned and/or worked Continue Reading
Letter in Support of Ryan Palmateer
Written on July 22, 2020 at 6:40 am, by Tim Dustrude
In the San Juan Update mailbag this morning we find this letter from Karin Agosta… A friend asked me yesterday about Ryan Palmateer’s strengths as a candidate for San Juan County Council District 1. This is a great question in today’s confusing, demanding world. Here’s what I wrote her: First, his work in sustainable construction Continue Reading
Letter in Support of Ryan Palmateer
Written on July 15, 2020 at 8:42 am, by Tim Dustrude
In the mailbag this morning we have this letter from Katie Fleming… Dear Editor, I support Ryan Palmateer for the County Council District 1 position. I have worked with Ryan for 3 years on energy conservation, renewable energy promotion, and climate action programs in the San Juan Islands. Ryan is very committed to the resiliency Continue Reading
Letters
Written on July 10, 2020 at 8:40 am, by Tim Dustrude
Today in the SJ Update Mailbag we have this letter from Gay Graham… To the Editor: Covid-19 has caused us to make any number of changes in the paths that we used to take. One of these can be forgetting to renew or not having the opportunity to support those organizations and causes that need Continue Reading
Letters
Written on July 8, 2020 at 1:45 pm, by Tim Dustrude
In the SJ Update Mailbag we have this letter today from Daniel Schwartz, SJC Republican Precinct Committee Officer… Response to the San Juan County Democrats Resolution on Police Reform The San Juan County Democrats have produced a resolution filled with the fabrications, revisionist history, and outright falsehoods that make up the woke playbook of today’s Continue Reading