San Juans Delegation Heads to Olympia to Lobby for Ferries

Jumping right into this year’s state legislative session, eight members of the County government, business, and resident community made the trek to Olympia, joining with a larger ferry lobbying effort, to meet with legislators and advocate for funding our ferries—both WSF and locally initiated passenger-only service. With the help of the County’s lobbyist, the delegation was able to meet with about a dozen lawmakers (including our supportive LD40 contingent: Senator Lovelett and Representatives Lekanoff and Ramel), sometimes in hallways, and sometimes in offices for “full” 15-minute meetings. The reception was mixed, with some legislators pointing to the transportation budget’s estimated billion-dollar shortfall, while others voiced their strong support for the funding levels recommended by both past governor Inslee and current governor Ferguson, especially by our representatives. Some even suggested additional funding to fill in critical gaps. This effort was also very ably assisted by the Fix our Ferry’s consultant and Vashon resident, Amy Drayer. The San Juans had the largest contingent of advocates with: Ken Burtness, FAC Member & former WSF Captain; Victoria Compton, Executive Director, SJC Economic Development Council; Becki Day, Executive Director, SJI Chamber of Commerce; Jane Fuller, SJC Councilmember (Lopez) & former FAC Liaison; Donald Kane, San Juan Island resident; Justin Paulsen, SJC Councilmember & FAC Council Liaison; David Robison, owner of Electric Lexicon LLC; Tom Starr, former owner of Star Surveying & former SJC Councilmember.

More info on San Juans Today: "MIXED REACTIONS’ IN OLYMPIA THURSDAY: San Juans citizens lobbied for improved WSF inter-island service”