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08/13/2005: "Thank You Freeholders: Their Work Is Almost Done"

L to R, Front Row: Charlie Bodenstab, Greg Hertel , Ryan W. Drum
2nd Row: Linda Tretheway Gayle Rollins, Madrona Murphy, Jeffrey Bossler
3RD Row: George A. Johnson, Bob Querry, Mindy Kayle, Gordy Petersen
4th Row Jeri Ahrenius, David Bayley, Steve Ludwig , Frederick E. Ellis
Last Row: Lola Deane, Stephanie O'Day, Richard Fralick, Ed Carlberg, Gene Knapp. Not Shown: Walt Corbin

The Freeholders met for their last meeting on Saturday, 13th of August, at the Friday Harbor Yacht Club to vote on the final Charter recommendation. The recommendations will be put to the voters in the November general election.

20 of 21 Freeholders were present. Separate votes were taken on the basic charter package and the amended version. Both proposals will be on the November ballot. The votes were as follows:

On recommendation of the basic charter which features keeping 3 Commissioners elected at large from the existing districts, an appointed County Administrator, and Initiative and Referendum: 16 voted Yes, Opposed 2, Abstentions 2.

Voting on the amended version of the charter called the "six-member council alternative": 15 voted Yes, 1 No, and 4 Abstentions.

After the meetnig, Freeholder David Bayley said "our work is arguably just beginning! It's been a great civics experience and I've learned a whole lot about County governance. That such a diverse group of freeholders could so consistently work well together, respect differing opinions, and reach so much consensus, greatly exceeded my expectations"

While no more public meetings are anticipated by the group, it is expect many of the Freeholders will now work toward convincing the voters that Charter Government will be a good fit for San Juan County.