OAK HARBOR: Sound Off: A community center would foster sense of belonging (SHANE HOFFMIRE/WNT)
Oak Harbor City Councilman (and Mayoral candidate) Shane Hoffmire wrote a Sound Off column for the Whidbey News-Times proposing a community center for Oak Harbor. Hoffmire’s column appeared in the paper’s Apr. 29, 2023 edition.
They Said It
The Washington State Department of Health releases a biannual report called the Healthy Youth Survey. Data from this shows that the youth in Oak Harbor report mental health issues in rates exceeding state averages. The data shows that 72% of our high-school students report feeling nervous, anxious or on edge. It also shows that over 40% self-report as having feelings of depression.…
This … has got me thinking about tangible ways to both address the all-too-often forgotten conversation of mental health and create access to spaces for these conversations to be had within our community. Establishing a place that creates a strong sense of belonging in one’s environment is invaluable. I believe such a place would be founded in the creation of a Community Arts and Recreation Center. The Center would provide much desired local activities for our youth and adults, all while providing the opportunity for those interested in cultural, social, creative, and athletic engagement.
| CITY OF OAK HARBOR |
| City Council: Four of five council positions are on the ballot. Position 1: Tara Hizon Councilwoman Hizon filed with the Public Disclosure Commission (PDC) to run for re-election. Position 2: Beth Munns Christopher Wiegenstein, a commissioner with the North Whidbey Pool, Park and Recreation District, filed with the Public Disclosure Commission in April to run for a City Council seat, but did not specify which position. During Filing Week, he filed to run for this seat. Former mayoral candidate Patrick Harman and Andy Plumlee, who was not selected for the Position 4 vacancy, have also filed for this seat. Position 3: Eric Marshall. Councilman Marshall was appointed after the resignation of Jeff Mack. This election will be for the remainder of Mack’s full term, which ends Dec. 31, 2023, and the succeeding four-year full term, which ends Dec. 31, 2027. Position 4: Christopher Wiegenstein Councilman Wiegenstein was appointed after the resignation of Dan Evans. This election will be for the remainder of Evans’ full term, which ends Dec. 31, 2025. announced his intention to apply for vacancy and run for the council on Apr. 28, 2023. Three of the shortlisted applicants, Barbara Armes, John Chaszar, and Wismine D’Avilar, have filed to run for the seat. |
| Mayor: Bob Severns Mayor Severns announced that he will not run for another term. Craig Nurvic, Councilman Shane Hoffmire, Oak Harbor businessmen Ronnie Wright and Nick Green filed to run during Filing Week. |
