Hello District 1, Island County Commissioner voters

https://www.facebook.com/122156511206225290/posts/122147878532225290

Steven Myres (R-Freeland), candidate for Island County Commissioner, District 1, posted this on his Facebook page on June 4, 2024 10:44 am.

Hello District 1, Island County Commissioner voters. I received the following questions from the ‘Frosty Hollow Ecological Restoration Helping Nature Heal organization.’ I thought I would share my answers with all of you.

Question 1: “Please tell us what you expect to be doing as an Island County Commissioner. What will be your focus areas?”

My Answer: My focus areas will be:

• Updating and maintaining our infrastructure including law enforcement, EMS services, boat ramps.
• Reviewing expenditures of public funds.
• Community engagement through town hall and local forums to discuss local issues.
• Promoting greater awareness of emergency preparedness at the local level and organizing a volunteer emergency services advisory board.
• Education Advocacy: Expanding outreach to our youth through volunteer organization with private businesses, providing introductions to a wider variety of options in the trades, agriculture and service industry for their future.
• Environmental Conservation. Protecting historic uses and shoreline preservation with sensible policy.

Question 2: “Island County is in the process of reviewing and updating its Comprehensive Plan. What role will you play in that process?”

My Answer: The Island County Comprehensive Plan is required to be updated in 2025. The current commissioners are in the process of reviewing potential updates for the 2025 updates. This ongoing process requires fact-findings, staff research and reports, legal requirements and public input and hearings before adopting the final updates. As I campaign in 2024, I will follow the on-going update process, so I am prepared and informed when I take office in 2025.

Question 3: “The legislature has added 2 new planning requirements: 1) housing at all economic levels and 2) response to climate change. How will you address these 2 issues?

My Answer: I don’t yet possess all the information needed to make an informed decision on these planning requirements. I commit to researching all data, reports, and public input before making any final decisions. It’s important to consider all options and hear from my constituents before finalizing the updated plan.
Question 4: “There is every indication that Island County is facing climate related problems: 1) sea level rise and 2) drought/lack of potable water. How do you intend to deal with these issues?”

My Answer: I recognize these are important concerns for our future. We have always adapted and made provisions to live and thrive in global environmental changes. Understanding specifically how these areas of concern will affect us will be challenging. By working together for a common future, I am confident we will continue to develop plans for the common good including but not limited to:

• Infrastructure Resilience
• Zoning and Land Use
• Water Conservation Programs
• Alternative Water sources

Question 5: “The Conservation Futures and Public Benefit Rating programs are currently under review for potential revision. What do you know about these programs and how would you revise them (or not)?”

My Answer: Reviewing Government program effectiveness is always at the forefront of understanding the usefulness of each program and any proposed updates. It is paramount when evaluating program effectiveness to:
• Enhance Flexibility
• Streamline Evaluation
• Encourage Community Engagement
Focusing on the public benefits and improvements in these areas is a key component of any revisions.

Respectfully Submitted
Steven Myres
Candidate for Island County Commissioner District 1 (R)
Elect Steven Myres Commissioner
PO Box 339 Freeland, WA 98249-0339 USA

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