Month: November 2020

  We’ve lost so much this year.  Our young people have lost their schools, we’ve lost live music and sporting events, and for now we’ve even lost the ability to enjoy a meal in a restaurant. Worse than that, of course, are the lives lost.  Whether from COVID, a fire, a car accident or simply the natural end of a long, well-lived life, there are big holes in the fabric of our community, and we grieve every single person who has left us. So, what’s there to be thankful for at Thanksgiving this year?  In a word, plenty! While so much has been taken away from us, I’m also mindful of a few things we’ve gained.  At the top of that list is a greater appreciation of what it means to…

Photo by Russell Albert Daniels/American Indian Magazine.   The 2002 movie “Windtalkers,” starring Nicolas Cage and Adam Beach, highlighted the unique contributions made by Navajo code talkers during the Battle for Saipan in World War II.  Having been to the Chief Leschi Schools Veterans Day Assembly, where every child shakes the hand of every veteran present, I am familiar with the service of local Native veterans – and how they are honored within their culture. But I was humbled and inspired to learn that Native Americans, Alaska Natives and Hawaiian Natives have fought with the United States in every war since the Revolution - even before they were officially declared citizens in 1924! To recognize, honor and remember that strong tribal tradition of military service, a permanent memorial was dedicated…

Running for elective office is never easy.  Running for elective office while in the throes of a once-in-a-century pandemic is something else altogether. My hat is off to everyone who put themselves out there and campaigned for office.  Win or lose, the experience is amazing and humbling.  Election campaigns by their nature can also be divisive – the incumbent has to run on their record, and the challenger needs to make the case for change.  The voters need to know what the differences are between the two candidates are so they can ultimately make their choice. Thanks to our residents - and I hope that includes some of you – I had the honor to be “re-hired” as County Executive.  Now that I’ve had a few days to reflect on…

I discussed my proposed supplemental budget with the Council yesterday and will formally submit it to them next week. Simply put, I think with it we are breaking new ground.  Not only is it the first mid-biennial budget ever in the County, but, more importantly, we are proposing significant changes to how we deliver a fair and equitable criminal justice system. First, the good news.  The impact of the pandemic has had less of a financial impact this year than we had feared.  However, that relief is tempered by the realization that what awaits us in 2021 is a great deal of uncertainty.  So, in light of this we have kept adjustments to a minimum.  With one important exception - some significant changes that helps ensure fair and equitable treatment…