2014 Year in Review: Whatcom County Council

By Barbara Brenner

I admit to having strong feelings for those who face hard times. I also believe we need to be careful with the public’s money.

In this bi-annual budget process the council heard from virtually no one. Usually we have lots of organizations and agencies come in to update us – not this year. As we neared the public hearing on November 25, I started calling around. I heard some organizations/agencies were never told to contact the council. Some felt intimidated into silence for fear of

reprisals.

I brought forward a motion to allocate $10,000 for each senior center for food, including Point Roberts, distributed according to population. Not only did I get no support, I was told “charity is not government’s job” and that I was just being “political.” To correct those inaccurate comments, many assistance programs, including senior centers, are for public health/wellbeing. County government’s highest priority is public health and safety.

I also recommended ways to save enough money to support my motions. For example, I believe the parks department could be folded into three other departments: senior centers to public health; parks planning to planning; and parks maintenance to public works. The public would notice no difference but consolidation would save money. I could go on but am only allowed 300 words.  Please contact me at bbrenner@co.whatcom.wa.us or 360/384-2762 for much more.

Ending on a positive note: a county crew will be at the Point from November to March to assist in emergencies; the dock will be installed at Lighthouse Marine Park; the scenic loop at the Point is now a reality.