New county exec’s plans for Vashon-Maury Island
Meaghan Connors
Dow_Constantnieness.psd
Dow Constantine, was elected as the new King County Executive in November 2009. Considerably hot button issues on Vashon are being address through nine different committees and organizations and six programs to also help better incorporate Vashon-Maury Island in the county.
Rural programs and services are provided by county level government. In broad terms, they are included but not limited to agriculture, drinking water, waste dumping and illegal dumping, farming and farming preservation, forestry, and livestock.
Riptide: Vashon Island has an association with King County’s building permit issues. Perception of many islanders is that they feel associated with King County when it comes to building permits. How can that be dealt with? Will that be dealt with?
Dow: King County has a presence on Vashon and Maury Islands beyond issuing building permits. Two past activities come to mind:
1) The King County Agricultural Commission did an agricultural tour of the Island and has, in the last few years, held two open Commission meetings on the Island to solicit public comment on agricultural issues. It is anticipated that the Agriculture Commission will again meet on Vashon.
2) The Rural Forest Commission requested the Rural Economic Strategies Coordinator work with the Vashon Forest Stewards to determine ways that King County could help meet their needs. The county has since assisted the Vashon Forest Stewards with two grants, obtained surplus shipping containers needed for storage, and helped get the organization free assistance in drafting a business plan.
King County is committed to continuing to build relationships with Vashon-Maury Island residents and businesses.
What efforts will be made for Vashon-Maury Island to feel they have a more beneficial association with the county? Last year the county initiated its Unincorporated Area Newsletter, a monthly newsletter that we are continuing to produce. The link to this newsletter is http://your.kingcounty.gov/dnrp/newsletters/ua-news.htm.
R: In Vashon Island’s economy, what plans are there for small businesses, jobs, local revenue and tourism?
D: In the past, we have offered on-Island permitting assistance from Department of Development and Environmental Services (DDES) staff members once a week, sent other county staff members as needed to address specific issues, and provided the ongoing economic support efforts of the Rural Economic Strategies Program and its coordinator, Ms. Julia Larson. Over the past five years, Ms. Larson has worked with the VMICC to inform them about county projects and initiatives. She has also met with several of its committees, including the Economic Development Committee, Land Use Committee, and the Town Plan Committee, when requested.
