Mindy Kayl Orcas West County Council
Jul 30 2008
1. What is your background and education?
When I moved to Orcas Island in 1990, I knew that I had found my home. Then, after one year of working in the service industry I realized that I would have to leave to earn enough money to buy land. So I left, and spent eight years on research ships, working for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (N.O.A.A.) and for Antarctic Support Associates. I worked in a variety of extreme conditions throughout the Pacific Ocean and completed research with international groups of scientists. In 1996, I purchased undeveloped land in Crow Valley and have built a small farm.
I have a Bachelors Degree in Journalism from Eastern Washington University, completed in 2000. I started a wetlands consulting business in 2007 after becoming interested in wetland restoration, and am completing a post-graduate degree at the University of Victoria in Ecological Restoration.
As a committed community member, I served on the SJC Board of Freeholders that developed the new Charter government and am Chair of the Eastsound Planning and Review Committee.
2. With all council positions being part-time, how do you intend to prioritize your work?
I think the biggest challenge will be to plan for the future, while fulfilling state mandates such as storm water, GMA compliance and the Critical Areas Ordinance. The next council will be very busy applying and implementing these state laws. Most important, the new council must look toward the future, to develop policy that represents the desires of the people in the community and preserves our quality of life. I will strive to balance compliance with creative problem-solving and look to the future when determining strategy.
The intent of the charter is that the day-to-day operations of the county would be run by a county administrator and it would be the function of the council to define policy and determine strategic direction. Therefore, I would reduce time spent in staff meetings and commuting to San Juan Island, and maintain an office on Orcas Island where the people I am representing live.
Prior to the charter, it was difficult for a fulltime Commissioner to be informed of every issue, which is why advisory boards and committees are formed. I would maximize the existing structure by supporting and listening to advisory groups. They are an opportunity to gain citizen input. In this community we have a wealth of experience and creativity. These are people who are willing to volunteer their time and expertise to bring transparency and legitimacy to our government process.
3. What was the biggest mis-step of the County Council since the Charter went into effect in 2006, and how do you think it should have been addressed?
Though the Charter was adopted in 2006, it will not be entirely in effect until after this election. There is a built-in transition period that will end when the three new council members begin their term. The current council is divided in half; with three members that ran and were elected as County Commissioner and three that ran and were elected as County Council. The two positions are very different in their scope and compensation. The charter will not be in effect until all members of the council are on equal footing and understand the requirements and limitations of their position.
The biggest misstep of the council since the charter implementation has nothing to do with the change in government structure. The storm water issue has been mishandled in a number of different ways. The council did not adopt the storm water utility plan that was drafted by the citizen advisory board. They only took parts of the recommendation and degraded the proposal. Then the county did a poor job of educating the public about why storm water is an issue and did not explain what the funding would be used for. The most offensive move of the county council is that they actually considered suing a private citizen, for using their right of initiative to oppose the storm water tax. Now, half the council is struggling to find funding in a tight county budget.
4. What are changes you see as essential to ferry service and how do you plan to help bring them about?
The ferry system is critical to life in the islands; we are faced with rising operational costs and an aging fleet. The county has little control over how the state manages the ferry system; the best opportunity for input is to use the Ferry Advisory Committee (FAC). This committee is a critical conduit for the county to communicate with the state regarding ferry service. It is their job to take the needs of the community to the state and let them determine how to meet those needs. This committee should be supported and encouraged to maintain good communication with the state and the islanders they represent.
5. How do you plan to facilitate the implementation of the Eastsound UGA storm water plan?
The public needs to be presented with a good argument for a storm water utility. There needs to be outreach and education about the functions of what a storm water utility could do and what the costs would be. Then define a reasonable tax and fee schedule that would fund the utility.
6. What efforts will you make to address affordable housing on Orcas Island?
There has already been much research and effort put into possible solutions for the housing question and there are working models in the county already. It is important to not duplicate effort but to build on what we already know. I also believe that an economy that supports a well-paid working class would allow more people to afford the existing housing.
The EPRC will be looking into this issue at the August meeting. We will be meeting with people who have already done much work and research on the topic and looking at models that work. Similar to the storm water issue, I think this is a matter of educating the public about the need and supporting decisions of the advisory groups.
7. How do you think the council should best address its relationship with the legislature in Olympia? If the council elects to hire one of its own to be a lobbyist for the County in Olympia would you be willing to serve in that capacity? Why or why not?
It is vital that the council maintain a good relationship with the legislature in Olympia. It is important to have representation at a state level and to communicate with higher levels of government. Many of the decisions that affect our county are made at the state level. As Kevin Ranker has proven, time in Olympia can generate money for the county. I would welcome the opportunity to serve my community in Olympia
8. What are the top two skills or personal attributes that make you the best candidate for this position?
A combination of skills and experience makes me the best candidate for this position. One of the most important qualities of a good council member is that they work well with others. As one person on a council of six, it will be important to listen to other perspectives and effectively communicate my positions. I will also use my skills to encourage and motivate staff and advisory groups to do the best they can, and support them in their duties.
I am committed to my community. This commitment drives me to plan for the future and listen to the needs of my fellow islanders. My history on Orcas gives me hands-on experience and a deep understanding. I have honed my creative problem-solving skills and am ready to use these skills to benefit my community.
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- Free of profanity
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