INSIDE

New group wrestles with the issues

By Pamala Sheppard

Community services and the border were identified as two major problems to be addressed at the second meeting of the ‘provisional Point Roberts Community Council.’

Henry Rosenthal explained the newly-formed council is uniquely suited to tackling such issues. “Rather than just one organization, like the voters or the taxpayers approaching the county with an urgent need, we would have a united front representing thousands of people.” Many of Point Roberts’ wants and needs were raised, including a new community center large enough for public meetings with a gymnasium and an after school program for Point Roberts youth. Establishing subsidized housing for artists in order to attract tourism and to help develop an art based community was discussed.

The group also discussed a unique way to spur action to deal with Point Roberts’ growing traffic jam at the border – by proposing construction of a bridge to Blaine.

“ If you suggest a bridge to Blaine and the county rejects it, and then you suggest a ferry boat to Blaine and the county rejects it, they may counter with an offer to fix our border issues,” explained George Iddon.

The group agreed that the border issues were a high priority and a chronic problem to the Point Roberts community.

The criteria for board membership was debated at length and it was agreed that each of the public service volunteer organizations would be approached and asked to send a representative to be a board member.

Arthur Riber, representing the taxpayer’s association reminded the group about the need for inclusivity. ”The meetings should always be open to the public,” Riber said.

The taxpayers association, the voter’s association, Point Roberts emergency preparedness, Point Roberts chamber of commerce, and the Point Roberts parks district are some of the organizations represented by the council. The next meeting is on May 8 at 7 p.m. at the community center on Gulf Road.