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06/02/2008: "Gordy Petersen Announces for County Council District #1"

Gordy Petersen has decided to run for the County Council position currently held by Kevin Ranker.

Petersen states “As an islander and a taxpayer, I have been disappointed in the performance of the current County Council. Many islanders seem to share this feeling. I think we can do better. Rather than just complaining, I am announcing my candidacy for the County Council from District 1.

I can’t make any big promises for sweeping change but I will promise this, I will work hard and smart and I will always put our community interests ahead of special interests.



I will run a different kind of campaign. I will not be asking anyone for financial contributions. You already pay too much for government. If you live on the south end of San Juan Island I will be asking for your support and your vote. In San Juan County it seems like every group is represented except taxpayers. If you elect me I will actually try and see that the money that the County does spend is spent wisely.

I am a long time island resident and have been active in local affairs for almost 25 years. I believe that San Juan County is the best place on earth to live. Those of us fortunate enough to call the islands “home” cherish this place. I will work to protect the quality of life we enjoy in the islands.

Sound judgment, common sense, and vision for the future are the qualities I will bring to the Council. I have an abundance of practical experience gained from owning and operating two successful island grocery stores, Orcas Store and Friday Harbor Grocery, and from many years of active participation in countywide planning under GMA.

I also have experience in the construction industry in San Juan County. I have served as a project manager for several large commercial and marine construction projects and have been involved with the planning, design, engineering, and building phases. I am currently a member of the San Juan Builders Association where the principal concern of members is affordable housing for working families and a responsible County permitting process.

After a devastating fire burned down our downtown Friday Harbor building in 2002, I managed the project to rebuild the commercial complex now called Friday Harbor Center. This project won several prestigious awards in the industry and the first historical preservation award from the Town of Friday Harbor.

I currently own and operate this commercial building in downtown Friday Harbor. I have 29 years of experience in real world budgeting, managing employees, meeting payrolls, and solving problems. I am currently an active member of San Juan Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau.

I also have years of practical local land use and planning experience. I served on the original SJC Citizens Advisory Committee for drafting the Comprehensive Plan. I served as Vice Chair on the Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee, and served a 4-year term on the San Juan County Planning Commission (2 years as Chair).

During the 17 years I lived on Orcas Island I founded and chaired the Committee to Save Orcas Bay. This was the most successful organization in the history of the islands to ever fight and win a battle to stop unwanted development.

I spent 12 years serving on the Orcas Landing Utility Board helping to improve local infrastructure. Orcas Village now benefits from our success in navigating State and County regulations bringing both sewer and water utility upgrades to the Village. I have a clear understanding of the infrastructure issues facing the County.

Recently, I served our community as an elected Freeholder from District 1 during the Charter process. This gave me real insight into how our County operates. I follow local issues closely and regularly attend Council meetings to testify about issues I feel passionate about.

Other things about myself: I have been happily married to my beautiful wife Lori for 35 years. I am an avid sport fisherman concerned about the long-term health of our marine environment and a columnist for the Island Guardian. We grow a lot of our own food in our garden and I have won several awards at our County fair for growing giant or unusual vegetables. I have academic degrees in philosophy and theology.

I will bring my campaign to you with a series of issue papers in the next few months. I will have a web site soon dedicated to my campaign (gordyforcouncil.com).

Thank you for taking the time to read this and I look forward to earning your support. I welcome your thoughts, ideas and suggestions for improving our County government. My phone number is 378-9702.

I look forward to serving my district and San Juan County as a member of the San Juan County Council.”