10/05/2011
Ron' Bainbridge connection:
In 1977 I had the good fortune to purchase property at Fort Ward which is rich in military history. During the early 80s I also purchased a remnant of the old Petterson Dairy Farm, originally owned by a BI pioneering family that had been annexed by the US Navy in April 1941 when Fort Ward was expanded. The Navy Dept. had converted the house into an officers’ duplex which it remains today. During my working career my weekends were spent on my BI property exploring the area and reclaiming the acreage from years of blackberry invasion. When I retired, it became my permanent home and my dog and I were soon active members of the BI community. Being a history major, I have enjoyed preserving my home and its contributions to this island’s history for the community. In fact, in 2002 Petterson family members returned at my invitation while The Little Fort at Bean Point documentary (available through the BI Historical Society) was being filmed.
7. Have you ever been convicted of a felony? NO
WHAT IS YOUR TOP PRIORITY FOR SERVICE IN THE PARK DISTRICT?
My top priority is to restore leadership in the Park district and to reinvigorate common sense thinking to the Parks Board of Commissioners over the next six years. By doing this I hope to insure that it does not take another fifteen years to establish fiscal responsibility, organization, clarity and administrative efficiency.
HOW DO YOU DIFFER FROM YOUR OPPONENT?
RCW 43.09.2855 Authorizing Credit Card Use Limits
Resolution 2003 adopted February 13, 2003 (see BIMP & RD website Board resolutions)
Issue: Replacement of a single master credit card with multiple Visa cards to department supervisors in the Park district, thus providing better accountability, responsibility, tracking, credit card usage and payment of statements.
Solution: Nine years later the Authorization to replace the single master credit card used by the entire Park district employees (43-200+/-) was finally passed by the Board of Commissioners on April 21, 2011
I would like to adopt more responsive leadership on issues such as this one case illustrates so that years of potential misuse that often stems from casual accountability cannot compromise our limited funds while the benefits of our community parks suffer.
WHAT SHOULD THE PARK DISTRICT DO WITH OPEN SPACE PROPERTIES IT HAS RECEIVED FROM THE CITY?
Create an inventory of the assets and then hold public neighborhood discussions to solicit community concerns, thoughts and ideas (including personal volunteer availability). Prioritize park district open space properties based both on potential usage by the BI community and impacts on the community and its people. Propose and document evidence of viable solutions. Work together toward the identified common goals.
Additionally, I would submit that these open spaces provide the resources needed to begin to work together as a community to create a plan for disaster preparedness (earthquake, natural catastrophes, etc.). An adequate heli-pad might be one such consideration for emergency med-evac or airlift supply capability. I am certain BI residents would have numerous suggestions and look forward to hearing their concerns and input.
WHAT IDEAS DO YOU HAVE FOR MANAGEMENT OF THE DISTRICT’S TWO NEWLY ACQUIRED STATE PARKS?
In 2010 when the State Park Service Board held its public meeting in Olympia to determine whether to turn over Fay Bainbridge and Fort Ward State Parks to BIMP & RD, I and one other Fort Ward neighbor requested to address the Board in favor of supporting the acquisition. As a Fort Ward resident and property owner for 30+ years, my dog and I have become quite familiar with this park and its lack of state care.
However, less than 90 days after BIMP & RD acquired this gem of a waterfront park, and without neighborhood discussion, the District proceeded to construct three metal post barriers which now prevent the small boat users any ability to turn their trailers around near the only public boat ramp on the south end of the island. This was a historical recreational park feature that existed for over one hundred years on this site. Additionally, dirt was dumped on both sides of the turning shoulders. This unilateral bureaucratic action offends the strong sense of community involvement our BI residents are accustomed to and it violates island boat owner recreational rights and freedom. I would argue that the historic usage of these parks should be respected.
Additionally, Fay Bainbridge Park, as well as Fort Ward can use improvement in the child-play and recreation areas.
