Crawford for Council, PO Box 30078, Bellingham, WA 98228
|
Crawford for Council, PO Box 30078, Bellingham, WA 98228 |
Thank you for taking this opportunity to find out more about Sam Crawford, current 12-year County Council Member and candidate for re-election.
The issues facing the County Council are broad and complex. The information on this page will help you better understand where Sam stands on these important issues. Included are some published articles and his answers to questions posed by a number of local organizations.
Feel free to contact Sam directly if you would like to talk with him about any of these topics, or if you have further questions. His personal cell phone number is (360) 201-3334.
Local government has more direct impact on our daily lives than state or federal government. The roads we drive on, the taxes we pay, the environment around us, the criminal justice system; all are frequently debated and voted upon by the Whatcom County Council. Our quality of life and the price we pay for it are always in the balance.
Serving on the County Council requires paying close attention to a myriad of issues. It takes considerable time, thoughtful judgment, willingness to negotiate and compromise, and no small amount of patience and diplomacy to find solutions that benefit the greatest number of Whatcom County citizens. A significant test of these skills came to bear as we negotiated a lease for the continued use of Lummi tribal lands to accommodate the Whatcom Chief (Lummi Island) ferry. Hundreds of hours of discussion and negotiation took place over a year-and-a-half period. The result has assured uninterrupted ferry service for the next 35 years.
Protecting and improving the water quality of Lake Whatcom has always been a high priority for me and the other community leaders who are responsible to manage this resource. Existing older methods of installed drainage ditches and culverts around the lake in developed areas historically were not designed for water quality assurance. It’s expensive to retrofit - to build and install the costly filters and detention areas - that must be monitored, work year-round, and still accommodate the large storm events we occasionally experience.
Real solutions for Lake Whatcom have involved an area-by-area approach to retrofitting drainage systems for the existing roads and homes. I have strongly supported the current Silver Beach Creek pilot project involving cooperative efforts between the county and the City of Bellingham, along with state and federal agencies. It’s a solid on-the-ground approach that will directly result in reducing the amount of phosphorus going into the lake. These are costly ‘fixes’, but today’s investments will have a long-term payoff when it comes to water quality.
Agriculture in Whatcom County is an important part of our history, our culture and our economy. While some have advocated heavy-handed restrictions on landowners’ ability to build a family home on their acreage, we’ve instead chosen the path of making farming easier and more cost effective in Whatcom County, and ensuring a “right-to-farm” ethic in our agricultural lands. In the face of changes in national and worldwide farming economics, Whatcom County continues to see the value of agricultural production increase. The USDA reports wholesale farm revenues grew by 13% in the 5-year period from 2002 to 2007. Innovative advances in agriculture in Whatcom County are ongoing. Projects include the bio-digesting of manure to create energy, satellite-GPS potato crop planting and sophisticated berry processing and flash freezing.
The current recession has resulted in high unemployment and less money in our local economy. Families and businesses have had to cut back on spending as incomes have dropped. With decreased revenue from sales taxes, county government could have raised property taxes to meet the shortfall. Instead, we designed efficiencies and accessibility to government services that did not require tax increases. County staff was reduced from a peak of around 950 employees to the current level of 800.
The current financial challenges require a continued commitment to do more with less, prioritize services and not increase your tax bill. In fact, in the 12 years I’ve served on the Whatcom County Council, I have never voted for an overall increase in the county portion of your property taxes.
Beginning next year, we will have a new County Executive. The administration of your county government – a corporation with over 800 county employees delivering a broad range of government services and an annual budget of around $170 million – will undergo transition under a new executive. Experienced leadership and input from the County Council will be more important than ever.
I love the people and the uniqueness of Whatcom County. I’ve proven I’m willing to listen with an open mind and build bridges between community groups who disagree. I am very grateful for your support and input, and I would be honored to have your vote to be re-elected to the Whatcom County Council.
Mick Moynihan backs Crawford for his drug court support
With the help of many, we started the Whatcom County Drug Court back in 1999. I retired in 2004 and Judge Chuck Snyder has run the drug court since then. Many, many people are clean and sober today because of that program, and it has continued because of the support of the county executive and the county council.
In particular, Sam Crawford has been a strong supporter of our drug court. He has a heart of gold and cares about people, and for that reason alone, he deserves to be returned to the County Council.
Mick Moynihan
Bellingham
Q: Do you believe the business community should have an equal seat at the table with other interest groups (communities, environmental groups, etc) in discussing the future growth of Whatcom County?
A: Absolutely, business is the economic engine of Whatcom County, and without consideration for solutions that create a 'win' for business we would see our prosperity and quality of life reduced to economic stagnation, which would result in poverty and misery.
Q: What is your position on the current plans for waterfront redevelopment in Bellingham, and do you believe the County should participate in those plans in a more robust way than is currently planned?
A: I support the concept of private/public partnerships and investment to stimulate robust future development of the waterfront. Wherever there are opportunities for the County to participate, I welcome that. However, I am opposed to the tax-shifting scheme that was proposed a few years ago whereby county taxpayers would absorb more of the tax burden in lieu of developers on the waterfront.
Q: When it comes to land use planning, do you believe the County has been performing at an acceptable level over the last four years? Please provide examples of positive or negative performance in your answer.
A: It's a mixed bag. The biggest negatives were the November 24, 2009 massive downzone and reduction of the Urban Growth Areas that strangled business and residential growth opportunities for the cities, as well as the passage of Shoreline regulations that created 150' one-(over)size-fits-all shoreline buffers. On the positive side, in the past 2 years the County Council has taken positive steps forward to settle the lawsuits brought on by the aggrieved landowners affected by the 2009 downzone, as well as resolve the "Rural Element" additional downzone that would have unfairly compromised landowners around the county. I think we're moving in the right direction now, but the work is far from finished to restore property rights while ensuring adequate environmental protection.
Q: Do you support the goal of protecting land currently designated for medium and heavy industrial purposes in the County?
A: Absolutely, if 'protecting' means ensuring stable zoning densities and regulations that will allow for future business and job growth. Again we have taken positive steps, particularly in the 'rural element' review, to enable potential growth of existing businesses as well as future business development in these areas.
Q: Please describe your position on the need for a new jail facility in Whatcom County. Do you believe the facility should be built in downtown Bellingham, or elsewhere in the county? Do you believe the facility should be built in such a way where it can be easily expanded in the future, should the need arise?
A: We are 'past due' on the plan to build a new jail, and should begin immediately - we can do so utilizing existing revenues and with no further tax increases. We have taken a measured and responsible course to determine where a suitable location for the jail should be. The Slater Road area was selected appropriately and with careful analysis, and has been endorsed by the Sheriff and county administration. A 'right-sized' jail for today (about 600 - 800 beds) has been anticipated all along, and the area around Slater can be sized to accommodate future expansion needs. The process has been derailed with misinformation leading to more studies, but will end up with the same conclusions.
Q: If you are elected, what is your top priority for the first year of your term in office?
A: The County is far from being 'out of the woods' financially when it comes to projected future revenues vs. projected future expenses. I have 12 years of council experience in a very hands-on capacity of budgeting and promoting processes to prioritize needs, and will continue to look for opportunities for efficiency, and when needed, program and staff reduction. In addition, we've still got very pressing land-use issues such as right-sizing Bellingham's Urban Growth Area in a manner that is realistic to meet future population projections.
Q: Describe the level of cooperation that should exist between Whatcom County and its incorporated cities when it comes to land use issues? Do you believe there is currently an acceptable level of cooperation?
A: The current Bellingham administration has been openly aggressive and sometimes hostile to the county, one example is the city's petition earlier this year to the Department of Ecology demanding a ban on 'exempt wells' outside the city with no prior discussion with the County. I am optimistic that a change in leadership in city hall, along with a new County Executive, will bring about a productive and collaborative relationship with Bellingham. Meanwhile, I think the other cities and the County continue to exercise excellent rapport, good communication, and cooperative planning efforts.
Q: What do you believe is the primary pollutant in Lake Whatcom, and do you think Whatcom County has a role in working to address it? If so, what would you do? If not, why not?
A: Control of the phosphorus going into the lake is the focus of efforts to ensure clean water into the future. I have opposed sweeping measures currently being proposed by my opponent, such as banning boats or eliminating existing homes, as these are "non-solutions" for problems that don't exist or are not realistic. Instead, I continue to support on-the-ground stormwater repair and filtration solutions that have a measurable and meaningful impact to lake water quality. A current example is the current Silver Creek project, in which various agencies and municipalities are working together to make a difference when it comes to phophorus-laden stormwater.
Q: Should all businesses in Whatcom County be treated equally by the County, regardless of where the person or corporation that owns them resides?
A: Yes, all businesses contribute their share, and government should stay out of picking "winners and losers" in a free-market economy. I have consistently been a vocal critic of Bellingham's attempt to strangle corporate retailers with over-reaching rules and outright bans on expansion.
Q: If elected, what do you propose to do to interact on a regular basis with the Whatcom County business community?
A: I have served several terms through the years on the Economic Development Council, and I have also participated in overseeing the use of Economic Development funds. I interact regularly with business owners and have a strong personal relationship with many of them. I also respect the leadership role the Chamber has taken over the years, along with its director Ken Oplinger. I strongly support business efforts throughout the county, and will continue to do so.
Q: Due to the recession, service providers across Whatcom County report increasing demands for services, and that there is a new face to poverty: families who have never before had to seek help. Yet both the state legislature and local governments have repeatedly cut the budgets of key services. How do you intend to reconcile the contradiction between increasing needs and decreasing resources?
A: The needs of those who are unable to help themselves can not be ignored. There is an important role government plays in assisting people toward self-sufficiency. The reconciliation with dwindling resources occurs with collaboration between community agencies and county government. This continues to occur in Whatcom County government. As I write this, I just returned from the opening of the Veterans Assistance Center in the lower floor of the county Health Department. This exists today - a new outreach effort in the midst of the current recession - because we were able to re-prioritize the use of our Veterans Relief Funds into a supported and organized service effort. In my role on the Substance Abuse Advisory Board, as well as my many years of past service on the board of the Opportunity Council, I have supported making the most of limited social services dollars, and I will continue to do so.
Q: According to the US Census Bureau, in 2009 15.5% of Whatcom County residents lived in poverty, significantly higher than the state's 12.3% average. Considering as many as one in six Whatcom County residents is now living in poverty, what is your philosophy about the role of local government in reducing poverty and in providing for the basic needs of citizens?
A: In the midst of economic recession, it is clear we can not 'chase our own tails' by relying on fewer and fewer available government dollars. That is a downward spiral of evaporating funds. Instead, we need to encourage and promote private sector job growth in our cities and in the county. This involves removing regulatory barriers to potential employers, particularly the small business owners who historically make up the majority of employers. I have played an active role in county government for many years when it comes to land use decisions and low taxation to keep our area attractive to potential businesses. Now more than ever we must strive to coordinate local government efforts toward job growth with our economic development agencies such as the Economic Development Council and the various Chambers of Commerce. Only then will we be able to sustain the revenue to provide for our food banks and our assistance programs.
Q: Nonprofit human service organizations not only respond to the needs of people living in poverty, but they also provide jobs, including those that pay professional wages. Like small businesses, nonprofits spend most of their income locally on salaries, as well as goods and services from other local businesses. In addition to limiting the services to low-income citizens at their time of greatest need, reduced funding to human service organizations also causes further erosion in the job market for living wage employment. Where do nonprofit human service organizations fit into your overall strategy for local economic development?
A: Not very high, as these programs generally rely on grants and other forms of government subsidy to exist. That is not to say I think non-profit human services are unimportant. In fact, I want to see the agencies thrive economically, and that will happen locally and regionally with private-sector economic development. Beyond that, there needs to be prudent financial management and sound employment practices within these organizations and agencies to ensure efficiency and value. The Opportunity Council is an outstanding example where these 'sound business practice' elements exist, and I heartily endorse their management and their efforts in our community.
Q: Regarding the current situation of the county jail: Increasing costs of running the facilities (7.51 percent compounded per year, 1998 to 2010 (Whatcom Watch, August, 2011); overcrowding; and needing significant upgrades: [1] How do you propose to improve the situation? [2] How do you propose to pay for your preferred course of action, considering that the balance in the jail fund was only $3.8 million at Dec. 31, 2010, 77 percent of the voter-approved jail tax having been spent in jail operating expenses, and each additional bed space in the jail will cost at least $27,500 per year? Please limit your answers to 100 words.
A: I am committed to the near-term construction of a new jail with a capacity of around 600 offenders. We currently have the resources to bond and construct it without additional tax increases. The balance of the fund is misleading as the cities’ jail cost-offset will expire after next year, and $10 million of the fund is capitalized into the Irongate facility which will be sold. We must design a new jail in a way to be cost-effective to operate, and in a location with room for future expansion, neither of which is the case with the current facility.
Q: What is your view on the proposed salary commission? Please limit your answers to 100 words.
A: I am in favor of a citizen-comprised salary commission as provided by state law. Having served on the county council for more than a decade, I see controversy arise whenever elected officials’ salaries (including the council’s own salaries) are considered. An independent panel of randomly-chosen citizens can draw upon salary data and other resources to review and compensate officials fairly, while not having the inherent conflict of council oversight of the various officials’ department budgets, political initiatives and personal relationships. A separate salary commission is the best way to accomplish this.
Q: Are you for or against the proposed SSA Cherry Point bulk coal terminal? Why? Please note: RCW 42.36.060 only prohibits ex parte communications (private communications with opponents or proponents) on this matter: there are clear exceptions for public statements and statements by candidates for elective office. Please limit your answers to 100 words.
A: I’m for environmentally sustainable development at Cherry Point. If the proponents of the shipping (coal) terminal can demonstrate how their proposal meets that criteria, then it will be permitted. It’s clear to me the ‘impacts’ go beyond the location of the facility itself, as the transport of materials via rail is part of the proposal. This rail-dependence obviously does have impact to Bellingham, Ferndale and other communities along the way, and must be thoroughly evaluated and mitigated. As a part of the permitting authority, I will remain objective and fair in my review of this proposal.
Q: Whatcom County is currently out of compliance with the Growth Management Act, causing us to miss out on hundreds of thousands of dollars in potential State funding. Do you support following the law, or continuing to be in violation? Why? Please limit your answers to 100 words.
A: The question itself is misleading. The fact is dozens of challenges to county comprehensive plans occur each year throughout the state, and Whatcom County is no different in that regard. The greatest number of legal appeals ever occurred when the former county council majority went too far in down-sizing urban growth areas. We have worked hard to ‘right-size’ the zoning of our rural areas during the past 2 years, and recent hearings board rulings regarding 2-acre zoning are affirming that. Meanwhile, Whatcom County continues to receive millions of dollars in state funding for important programs and services without interruption.
Q: Do you support the current plan of reconveyance to county ownership of state forestry lands in the Lake Whatcom? Why? Please limit your answers to 100 words.
A: Yes. Conversion to park uses will create public access in a beautiful area. The land does not currently generate property tax revenue, so none will be lost. The potential timber revenue for schools can be offset by the ongoing lease revenue for cell towers and other infrastructure that currently exists. Meanwhile, the timberlands remaining to the northeast will be consolidated for more efficient timber harvest management. I love outdoor recreation, and I believe the new park designation will become a popular amenity for local use and regional tourism. This is a win-win for our community.
Q: Do you support clearcutting in the Lake Whatcom watershed? Why? Please limit your answers to 100 words.
A: I support sound forestry management, and in particular, mitigation for landslide hazards that can result from road construction and occasionally clear-cutting. Lake Whatcom’s watershed is a particularly sensitive area, and the most stringent mitigation practices must be applied. “Clear-cutting” is less of an issue for me than ensuring sound forestry practices that protect wildlife, water bodies and other natural features. If selective cutting in a particular harvest proposal makes more sense, then that is the way to go.
Q: What other endorsements have you received?
A: I have not asked for nor received any endorsements to date
Q: How do you contrast yourself with your opponent(s)?
A: At this point I know very little about my opponent personally, but she works for an agency that has consistently negatively impacts the cost of housing for working families in our community. On the other hand, I have a record of support for job creation through public infrastructure (leadership on transportation improvement funding and significant other projects) and in local business expansion (Woodstone, Delta Line Business Park).
Q: The ATU 843 welcomes economic growth and development, so long as new businesses adopt standards that are friendly to the community and working families. As an elected official, you will deal quite often with businesses seeking to develop or expand in our community. What standards or conditions do you believe are appropriate for government to impose on business in the areas of public health, the environment, worker rights and civil rights?
A: County government should support economic development by consistently and clearly vetting new proposals for business expansion, subject to oversight in the areas you mention, particularly when it comes to protecting our environment. The recent proposal for a cargo terminal at Cherry Point is a good example where the County must demonstrate a positive approach to conducting a thorough review of the impacts of this scale of development. Violations of worker rights and civil rights in not just business environments, but in all situations, cannot be tolerated.
Q: In general, what do you see as the appropriate role for elected officials to play in labor-management disputes? Would you publicly support workers in their legally protected efforts to organize a labor union or to exercise their right to strike for a fair contract?
A: The county council has taken an active role in labor negotiations for all of the 12 years I have served on the council. It has been an atmosphere of mutual respect, and I believe that is why we have not seen labor strikes or serious contract disputes in that time. Even now as we are weathering a terrible recession with reduced revenues, we have consistently worked with our collective bargaining units to reach acceptable agreements for compensation and security. I have the highest regard for our employees, and personally know many of them and their families.
Q: What do you believe are appropriate venues for labor organizations to advocate for issues that affect working people?
A: Whether a council meeting, or on the street corner, I believe workers who are organized should have their voices heard, and considered with compassion, respect, and a willingness to address problems and disagreements collaboratively.
Q: Do you believe public entities should use taxpayers’ dollars to hire outside labor relations consultants for negotiating with unions? (Yes or No, please explain.)
A: Yes, if they are clearly there to provide professional mediation with an understanding that all parties are seeking fairness and are willing to address issues and meaningful resolution to job-related problems. On the other hand if the negotiators only promoted ‘saving a dime’ over collaboration and mutually beneficial resolutions, it would not be acceptable.
Q: Do you support the practice of contracting out public services? (If yes, please explain.)
A: Yes, but in a fairly limited manner. In the first place, there must be limitations on what kinds of public services should be provided by Whatcom County – I don’t think we should expand into services that are already provided by the private sector. But where we do provide the many public functions which are accepted as an appropriate role of government (roads, criminal justice, parks, etc.), then we should provide excellent service with a well-trained and fairly-compensated workforce. I believe for the most part Whatcom County government accomplishes that. Most of our ‘contracting out’ is for project specific professional-services contracts as well as supplemental assistance during times of emergency or extremely heavy workloads.
Q: Do you support the Cherry Point Gateway Pacific Terminal project?
A: As stated earlier, I support affording the applicant with a careful and thoughtful application review process, so the proposal can be decided fairly by the county council whether the economic benefits are offset by negative environmental or other quality-of-life impacts. I am concerned that many ‘loud voices’ in our community have pre-judged this project without seeing a formal “record” developed in order to conduct a thorough professional and scientific review of impacts.
Q: Do you believe it is in the public’s best interest to modify the bargaining rights of public employees?
A: Not a very specific question, so I guess I can only say that I am very respectful of and support the collective bargaining rights of employees. (I apologize if I’m unaware there are any current trends toward modifying bargaining rights.)
Q: Do believe public transit is valuable to Whatcom County? Do you believe it is worth the investment?
A: Yes. If expansions to public transit are proposed, then I’d want to know that they’re ‘forward-looking’… in other words that they’re done in coordination with infrastructure improvements that support transit in a logical manner. A good example is the newer portions of Sunset, where bus turnouts were prescribed and now are used. The older parts of that road (unfortunately in the most congested shopping area) require buses to stop in traffic lanes, which is not as safe for all users.
Q: We welcome any other information that you believe is important for us to consider in our endorsement deliberations.
A: I am a county representative to the Washington State Transportation Improvement Board. We distribute about 80 to 100-million dollars per year in gas taxes to municipal governments, all for local transportation improvement projects. Individually and as a board, we have supported consistent road engineering standards to accommodate safety, transit, and projected area growth.
Q: What are your views on the proposed coal and bulk cargo terminal at Cherry Point and the train traffic that would be associated with it?
A: I'm for environmentally sustainable development at Cherry Point. If the proponents of the shipping (coal) terminal can demonstrate how their proposal meets that criteria, then it will be permitted. It's clear to me the 'impacts' go beyond the location of the facility itself, as the transport of materials via rail is part of the proposal. This rail-dependence obviously does have impact to Bellingham, Ferndale and other communities along the way, and must be thoroughly evaluated and mitigated. As a part of the permitting authority, I will remain objective and fair in my review of this proposal.
Q: Where should the new jail be located, how big should it be and how should it be paid for?
A: The Slater Road area was selected appropriately and with careful analysis, and has been endorsed by the Sheriff and county administration. A 'right-sized' jail for near-term needs (about 600 - 800 beds) has been anticipated all along, and the area around Slater can be sized to accommodate future expansion needs. We could bond new jail construction today with no additional tax increases to the tune of about 70 million dollars.
Q: What can Whatcom County do to bring more jobs to the area?
A: At an urban level, Ferndale in particular is ensuring developers of commercial and retail space will do so in a manner that meets and fulfills community expectations, environmental protection, and long-term economic growth. Meanwhile the Whatcom County Council completed its 'rural element' review with an eye to removing restrictions to business growth in the traditional 'crossroads' areas of the county. Business is the economic engine of Whatcom County, and without consideration for solutions that create a 'win' for business we would see our prosperity and quality of life reduced to economic stagnation, which would result in poverty and misery.
Q: Should the county, in its next budget, take whatever steps necessary to halt the draining of general fund reserves? If so, how?
A: The county council provides close budget oversight working with the county administration. In particular the council maintains a policy of keeping the county 'general fund' reserve balance minimum of 10% of annual general fund revenue. The term 'halt the draining' is misleading as the general fund reserves have been relatively stable during the period 2008 ($10.95M remaining) through 2011 ($10.59M remaining). The more important point is that the council must stay resolved to balance the budget without raising property taxes. We've done that in the toughest of economic times, and will continue to do so.
Q: When do you believe, if ever, tax or fee increases are appropriate? Would they be on the table if you were elected?
A: The current financial challenges require a continued commitment to do more with less, prioritize services and not increase your tax bill. In fact, in the 12 years I've served on the Whatcom County Council, I have never voted for an overall increase in the county portion of your property taxes. Beginning next year, we will have a new County Executive and the administration will undergo a period of transition. Experienced leadership and input from the County Council will be more important than ever.
Q: Do you support shifting property tax authority from dedicated funds, like the road fund, to the general fund?
A: Yes, there are often times where priorities for essential services such as law enforcement response and other 'capacity' concerns in the criminal justice system will take precedence over traditional revenue assignment. There shouldn't be a knee-jerk response by government to raise taxes every time a priority decision should be made. When it comes to public works projects such as road maintenance, we have not compromised (nor will we) in maintaining our current infrastructure before embarking on costly new construction projects.
Q: Have public employees made enough concessions in these tough economic times?
A: I'm proud of the employees of Whatcom County government, they've endured a workforce reduction of about 17 percent over the past several years. Most of the 800 remaining employees are currently not getting paid for about 2 weeks of time off, spread out throughout the year; meanwhile the County continues to provide a substantial level of services to its citizens. I'll continue to work closely with the administration in negotiating with county unions fairly and respectfully, while ensuring that compensation and benefit gains and/or reductions are equally shared by union and non-union employees.
Q: Do you support the transfer of nearly 9,000 acres in the Lake Whatcom watershed to county control for use as parkland? Why or why not?
A: Yes. Conversion to park uses will create public access in a beautiful area. The land does not currently generate property tax revenue, so none will be lost. The potential timber revenue for schools can be offset by the ongoing lease revenue for cell towers and other infrastructure that currently exists. Meanwhile, the timberlands remaining to the northeast will be consolidated for more efficient timber harvest management. I love outdoor recreation, and I believe the new park designation will become a popular amenity for local use and regional tourism. This is a win-win for our community.
Q: What should Whatcom County do, if anything, to halt the growth and planning lawsuits between Bellingham and the county?
A: Bellingham government has at times been openly hostile toward Whatcom County in litigation. One example is the city's recent failed petition to the state demanding a ban on 'exempt wells' outside the city with no prior discussion with the County. Unilateral actions by the city regarding county issues are nonproductive. Recently the county council held off on a vote regarding the future of the Yew Street area so further county discussion with and response to city officials' concerns regarding growth planning can be made. It is our hope Bellingham officials will respond with respect and constructive comments.
Q: When a downzone isn't required by law or board/court order, do you believe it's ever appropriate to downzone land without compensating the landowner? If so, when?
A: Downzoning has big impacts on property values, not to mention personal expectations and plans. If government decreases the use of someone's land for 'the greater good' of other citizens in the area, it should only be in cases of extreme emergency or clear threat to public health and safety. In those cases, there should at least be discussion regarding and consideration of the financial impact to the owner. There are other ways to achieve less housing density in a particular area if that's the goal. Trading 'development rights' and other incentive zoning methods are preferable to destroying someone's life savings.
Q: Other than the above, what are the most important issues facing Whatcom County and how would you address them?
A: We are working with city and county fire districts to continue and improve the Emergency Medical System response throughout Whatcom County. The current system administered by the City of Bellingham has been fraught with union conflict, resulting in decisions that don't always keep patient care as the top priority. The County Council passed a resolution last year to re-organize the administration of the system, and constructive meetings are currently taking place to create a new management model that assures top quality care combined with the benefits of local accountability, cost-effectiveness and faster response times.
Q: Why are you running for this position?
A: a. Accountability: General fund reserves have been relatively stable during the recession - 2008 ($10.95M remaining) through 2011 ($10.59M remaining). We must maintain solvency in our county funds.
b. EMS: The county, fire districts and fire departments are redesigning the emergency medical response system. We're in the process of assuring top quality care combined with local accountability, cost-effectiveness and faster response times.
c. Experience: We will soon elect a new County Executive. Administration of county government may undergo transition with new or differing priorities and policies. Experienced oversight from the County Council will be more important than ever.
Q: Please explain to voters how you feel your experiences and values make you a fine candidate for this position.
A: Serving on the County Council requires paying close attention to lots of issues. It takes thoughtful judgment, willingness to compromise, and no small amount of patience and diplomacy to find solutions that benefit the greatest number of Whatcom County citizens.
I remain committed for county government to do more with less, prioritize services and not increase your tax bill. In fact, in the 12 years I’ve served on the Whatcom County Council, I have never voted for an overall increase in the county portion of your property taxes.
Retired Superior Court Judge Mick Moynihan sent the following letter to a local newspaper recently:
"With the help of many, we started the Whatcom County Drug Court back in 1999. I retired in 2004 and Judge Chuck Snyder has run the drug court since then. Many, many people are clean and sober today because of that program, and it has continued because of the support of the county executive and the county council."
"In particular, Sam Crawford has been a strong supporter of our drug court. He has a heart of gold and cares about people, and for that reason alone, he deserves to be returned to the County Council."
Q: What do you think are the most pressing issues in Whatcom County today? How do you plan to address them, if elected?
A: The newly opened East County Resource Center is now providing services to citizens in a location with the most concentrated population. Planning and construction of the center has been a long process, and now we must maximize its uses and availability to the community.
We're finally about to sign a negotiated lease for the continued use of Lummi tribal lands to accommodate the Lummi Island ferry. Hundreds of hours of discussion and negotiation took place over a year-and-a- half period. The result has assured uninterrupted ferry service for the next 35 years.
Real solutions for Lake Whatcom have involved an area-by-area approach to retrofitting drainage systems for the existing roads and homes. I've strongly supported the current Silver Beach Creek pilot project involving cooperative efforts between the County and Bellingham, along with state and federal agencies. It’s an on-the-ground approach that will result in reducing the amount of phosphorus going into the lake. These are costly ‘fixes’, but today’s investments will have a long- term payoff when it comes to water quality.
Agriculture in Whatcom County is an important part of our history, our culture and our economy. While some have advocated heavy-handed restrictions on landowners’ ability to build a family home on their acreage, we’ve instead chosen the path of making farming easier and more cost effective in Whatcom County, and ensuring the “right-to- farm” in our agricultural lands. Facing changes in national and worldwide farming economics, Whatcom County continues to see local agricultural production increase. The USDA reports wholesale farm revenues grew by 13% in the 5-year period from 2002 to 2007. Innovative local advances such as the bio-digesting of manure to create energy, satellite-GPS potato crop planting and sophisticated berry processing and flash freezing means our local ag industry remains competitive in both local and world markets.
We must get underway with the construction of a new jail north of the Bellingham airport. Our existing jail is not sized correctly and is structurally deteriorating. We can bond up to about 70 million dollars without any new taxes. No more delays, let's build it now.
Q: Please state one question that has not been asked of your campaign, but you would like to address. Your answer?
A: I'll comment on the quality of people throughout the east county area. As your "District 2" councilman I've addressed flooding problems, law enforcement and public safety, tourism and business promotion, cell phone and internet access, social services, and trails and recreation. All along there have been so many dedicated hard- working residents in the area who give of their time and their energies to make the Whatcom County foothills a great place to live, not only today but into the future. It's an honor to work with you, and I hope you'll support my commitment to continue.
Q: What do you like most about your opponent?
A: As I get to know Christina, I find her to be respectful and pleasant. She has made good points about important issues and added to a robust debate regarding county government's responsibilities. She is deeply concerned about environmental issues, and I respect that.
Q: How do you differ most from your opponent?
A: I bring experience and openness to the county council. Residents know they can call me any time on my cell phone (201-3334) with their concerns about any county issue or 'quality of life' issue in general. Facing a "change of the guard" with our county executive this year, I want to make sure the needs, concerns and desires of east county residents receive the priority they deserve. My opponent has experience working for a regulatory agency, but there is a deeper relationship legislators must have with the citizens than one of regulatory oversight. I will remain committed to you.
Paid for by Crawford for Council, PO Box 30078, Bellingham, WA 98228 © 2011