Recent Issues
For the citizens of Skagit County, the next four years contain a number of very important issues. These issues will require a County Commissioner who has knowledge and experience in politics, business, and protecting our resources, and has a real passion for the quality of life in our valley.
The following are a short list of the issues before us. I promise to take comments, opinions and testimony on all the issues through a transparent, open public process. To listen to experts, engineers, scientists and the advise of our citizens committees. To carefully analyze this information, and then to act in the best interests of everyone in our County. I will not act on behalf of special interests behind closed doors, nor serve the interest of only a few, but act lawfully in the full daylight.
1) The big flood, we must prepare together
2) Protect and preserve our farmland, no net loss
3) Solid Waste, mining the waste stream, recycling, and acting in concert are key
4) Building quality, livable cities. Maintain the 80/20-population split between cities and rural county
5) The new County Jail, we cannot afford to incarcerate everyone. Let's provide better treatment, spend the money on violent offenders and be more efficient at handling prisoners.
6) Protect salmon habitat, wetlands and our natural resources. Let's continue to implement the GMA, thereby reducing sprawl, creating livable cities, producing more efficient services, and protecting our rural areas.
7) Transit. As we grow, transit by bus, van pool, etc. provides help for the poor, the disabled and creates reductions in traffic and energy use. We must all do more to reduce our carbon footprint, thereby saving the environment and saving money.
8) Create jobs. EDASC is doing a great job, as is the large vibrant business community. We have many great companies in Skagit County. Government should play a supportive role. We have incredible opportunities in boat building, high tech related business, farming and many others.
There are many other issues. I hope to hear about them during my campaign. Please let me know what those are.
Bill Turner
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