03/15/2007: "SJC's First Referendum Is Charging Forward"

The SJC Charter allows a citizen to file a referendum, and after the first referendum in the history of San Juan County was filed -on how fees are collected to fund a new storm water ordinance- petitions are now showing up all over San Juan county as voters sign-up to put the measure on the ballot. The fees were enacted by the County Council after a number of public hearings, but was not voted on, and now -to the surprise of some- the charges are showing up on property tax bills.

As previously reported,, the referendum was filed by Alexandra Gavora of San Juan Island, and asks voters of San Juan County if they approve how the "fees" are collected, and the amounts are determined. The "fee", which Gavora states looks an awfully lot like a tax, is the point of the referendum, and not the underlying stormwater program the collected money is earmarked to fund.

Gavora explained that after she filed the referendum, she "found that there is a wealth of concern that has previously been unexpressed regarding the fairness of this tax/fee program. Some of the additional concerns that have been raised include the notion that Public Works will act as the assessor of this fee, and the potential for litigation arising from this scheme."

Gavora said that "So far the thoughts that I have heard have all been constructive in nature, and this is how I would like this process to proceed."

The supporters of the referendum have 120 days to gather signatures sufficient to qualify for the ballot. Gavora said that "During that time period I am hopeful that voters like me will be able to flesh out not only the problems with the current funding ordinance, but be able to offer some alternatives that are honest, fair and workable, to deal with the funding of storm water projects in San Juan County".

Gavora told The Island Guardian that she wants to "inform people who have been contacting you regarding the referendum pertaining to the funding of storm water projects, that they may get in touch with me directly by sending email to stormywaters@interisland.net. Gavora added that "I will appreciate hearing from those who want to help, as well as those who have differing opinions on this issue."
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