All Point Bulletin asked Whatcom County executive candidates why they are running for the four-year position in the November 7 general election. The candidates provided written responses to the questions.
Satpal Sidhu
Satpal Sidhu is finishing his first term as Whatcom County executive and served as a county councilmember from 2015 to 2020. Sidhu has spent his career working in manufacturing, solar and technical education for four decades. He is the former dean of engineering at Bellingham Technical College.
Q: If re-elected, what are your top three priorities for your first year and how will you accomplish those?
1. Public safety: I would like to prioritize construction of a new building for the current jail. Also funding the LEAD, GRACE and Alternate Response Team programs to offer treatment services rather than incarceration.
2. Mental/behavioral health treatment facilities: starting immediate construction of the 23 Hour Sobering Facility next to the Anne Deacon Center of Hope. Completion of Way Station in mid-2024 and build a new Re-entry building for people released from jail.
3. Affordable housing: update the Land Use Zoning Codes to allow more density, smaller lots and smaller homes with lower prices. Use EDI funds for affordable housing
Q: What do you believe are the biggest concerns facing Point Roberts residents, and how will you work to address those needs?
The Point Roberts community is a unique place in United States. This was really highlighted during the Covid-19 pandemic, as this community suffered the most since 2020. Major issues facing PR are stagnant economy, dependence on the Canadian residents/daily traffic, dollar value disparity. There is limited commercial activity like the sale of gas, milk, and online retailer packages. Lack of workforce and trades people or special visa for Canadian to work in PR. The state grant for broadband fiber is a hopeful project but it will take two to three years. I will continue to work with community leaders to find more grants and innovative solutions.
Q: What makes you the best person to serve this position?
I have the right experience for five years as county councilmember and four years as county executive. I have 40 years of experience working as a business executive. I am an engineer and a Fulbright Scholar. I bring unique experience of living in three countries and ability to collaborate with all mayor and elected officials, interest groups and activists to get things done. My working record during the pandemic and floods illustrated my abilities and administer with calm and steady decision making for the best of my constituents.
Dan Purdy
Dan Purdy is an entrepreneur and businessman who has worked at businesses ranging from start-ups to Fortune 500 companies and has owned four small businesses since 2005. He is director of partnerships at Cultivate Advisors and management consultant and executive coach at Daring Business Strategies, according to his LinkedIn.
Q: If elected, what are your top three priorities for your first year and how will you accomplish those?
I’m focused on setting the P.A.C.E. for Whatcom County: increasing public safety; promoting accountability and fiscal responsibility; reducing the cost of living; and advancing environmental stewardship. After much listening, I’ve created a plan for my first 100-Days. “Dan’s Plan” includes
1) Create an actionable plan to tackle homelessness in Whatcom County and
2) Implement targeted crime prevention strategies.
This plan prioritizes solutions that provide shelter, mental health/addiction services, and pathways to rehabilitation for our homeless neighbors. To reduce homelessness, local organizations and stakeholders need collaboration and leveraging of proven strategies. Everyone deserves a safe and stable place to call home in Whatcom.
Q: What do you believe are the biggest concerns facing Point Roberts residents, and how will you work to address those needs?
The biggest concerns facing Point Roberts residents are declining population, labor shortages, a lack of rental housing, infrastructure improvements, county-supported maintenance, and geographic isolation. The Maple Beach seawall is failing ($3.5 million; 50 percent County and 50 percent grants). Residents want a lighthouse ($500K plus ongoing maintenance). Tyee Drive needs a commercial sewer system. Let’s workshop a self-sustaining public works outpost that is well-staffed and better-equipped to support Point Roberts’ 2,000 plus homes and 5,000 plus people. A thriving community and a plenitude of skilled labor goes hand in hand.
Q: What makes you the best person to serve this position?
I’m the most qualified candidate for the crucial leadership role of county executive because of my experience as a chief executive officer and commitment to actionable goals. I have spent a significant amount of time collaborating and engaging with residents countywide and will continue to do so. I’m committed to less talk, more action. I not only have a vision for Whatcom County, one that’s safe, prosperous, and vibrant; but I have actionable steps to implement this vision - plans I have yet to see my opponent introduce. If you’d like to know more about my 100-Day Plan, please take a look at my website (DanPurdy.com).
The All Point Bulletin asked Whatcom County Council District 5 candidates questions to learn why they are running for the seat in the November 7 general election. The District 5 position is a four-year term that represents north Whatcom County, including Point Roberts. The candidates provided written responses to the questions.
Ben Elenbaas
Ben Elenbaas is finishing his first term on Whatcom County Council representing District 5. Elenbaas is a farmer and works as operations foreman at BP Cherry Point. He earned his bachelor’s degree in natural sciences from Western Washington University.
Q: If re-elected, what are your top three priorities for your first year and how will you accomplish those?
Public safety, the drug/fentanyl epidemic and affordability are the primary issues facing the people in Whatcom County and as such are my top three priorities. Everyone should feel safe. I believe this is a minimum expectation. As a council we secured 10 new Sheriff deputies while other municipalities reduced numbers. I helped craft our jail ordinance. When approved, I look forward to implementing, not only a safe jail plan but expanded mental health and treatment options over the next four years.
Q: How will you prioritize the needs of Point Roberts residents?
Point Roberts is a unique area with a unique set of needs that are often different from other areas of District 5. On the council I understand that I am often the sole voice in government for the people of the point. During Covid I worked hard to help local businesses to secure much needed disaster relief. Working with local residents I helped get the attention of our public works department to ensure resources were allocated to the point. Understanding the lack of representation on any governmental level is vital to being an effective representative, an understanding I've demonstrated over the past four years and a perspective I will not lose in the next four years.
Q: Whatcom County is set to update its comprehensive plan by June 2025. What changes would you like to see in the 2025 comprehensive plan update to plan for future growth?
I favor policies that acknowledge realities on the ground. For example, we plan for growth off of projections from past trends. Unfortunately, a lot of stagnancy has been created by our zero growth approach to land use policy. If we don't offer land zoning to meet the needs of the community, we've created stagnation that then perpetuates itself, justified by the previously planned zero growth. We should consider the needs of a community and work forward instead of planning looking back. Point Robert's is a prime example of our backwards looking model of planning. I am committed to looking forward.
Jackie Dexter
Jackie Dexter is an aquaculturist at Drayton Harbor Oyster Company and member of Whatcom County Marine Resource Committee and the Puget Sound Shellfish Growers Association. She earned her bachelor’s degree in biology from Western Washington University.
Q: If elected, what are your top three priorities for your first year and how will you accomplish those?
My top priorities are
Our required 2025 Comprehensive Plan update is an opportunity to do much of this work. Through that plan, we can ease the red tape for newer sustainable industries that face burdensome permitting requirements and encourage more centralized services like childcare businesses in urban growth areas and thus reducing carbon emissions.
Q: How will you prioritize the needs of Point Roberts residents?
Point Roberts is often ignored by Whatcom County and that needs to change. Point Roberts deserves a leader who will be present, listen, and advocate for resources to find solutions. The community in Point Roberts is resilient and the best solutions will come from its community members. If elected, it will be my job to work with state and federal governments to improve the quality of life in Point Roberts and protecting what makes Point Roberts special. Point Roberts needs better support for its infrastructure, workforce development, economic development, housing needs, and transportation.
Q: Whatcom County is set to update its comprehensive plan by June 2025. What changes would you like to see in the 2025 comprehensive plan update to plan for future growth?
Careful attention to the needs and realities of Point Roberts will be critical with the update of the 2025 Comprehensive Plan. Housing, especially workforce housing, is a top need I hear at Point Roberts. The county’s zoning and infrastructure plans currently do not allow for affordable workforce housing and needs updating to provide things like a walkable, centralized business district and a composting facility. I plan on digging in on housing, updating climate resiliency and preparedness planning, and balancing growth with protection of our vital resources.
The All Point Bulletin asked Whatcom County Council At-Large Position B candidates why they are running for the seat in the November 7 general election. The at-large position is a four-year term that represents all of Whatcom County. The candidates provided written responses to the questions.
Jon Scanlon
Jon Scanlon works as a consultant for conservation nonprofits and Indigenous communities on climate and human rights, and has two decades of experience in public policy and diplomacy. He earned his master’s degree from the Georgia Institute of Technology.
Q: If elected, what are your top three priorities for your first year and how will you accomplish those?
The top issue for my campaign is affordability and access to housing, childcare and healthcare. Whatcom County needs more affordable housing. I will advocate for a comprehensive approach that includes density in cities, permitting reform, tiny home villages, repurposing existing county funds for affordable housing, and advocating for state and federal funds.
The healthcare marketplace is failing our county. Small cities have lost their local access to care, many people travel long distances for specialty care, and our only hospital is cutting services. I would like to survey Whatcom County healthcare needs, identify gaps in services and work with the community to design a plan to fill the gaps.
Voters approved a new affordable childcare initiative in 2022. I’ll advocate for taxpayer dollars to go to their intended purposes.
Q: Where would you like to see funding prioritized in the Whatcom County budget?
In addition to my priorities regarding childcare, healthcare and affordable housing, I would like to ensure that Whatcom County pays county employees a living wage that allows employees to live in Whatcom County. Paying a living wage is the right thing to do, and can help with the county’s climate goals by helping county employees live closer to work with shorter commute times and potential to increase use of public transit, carpooling and other incentives that can reduce the county government’s carbon footprint.
Q: Whatcom County is set to update its comprehensive plan by June 2025. What changes would you like to see in the 2025 comprehensive plan update to plan for future growth?
Whatcom County should plan ahead for population growth. We live in a beautiful place between two large metro areas and we will continue to attract new residents. We must make the policy changes needed to make housing more affordable for current and future residents. The county should partner with the cities to plan for dense, walkable, transit-oriented neighborhoods so that we can protect land across the county for drinking water, conservation, wildlife, parks, recreation, agriculture and bringing the jobs of the clean energy transition to our county.
Hannah Ordos
Hannah Ordos is a customer support manager at Vitamin Portfolio LLC. She is a fourth-generation Whatcom County resident who graduated from Nooksack Valley High School and earned her bachelor’s degree in human resource management from Western Washington University.
Q: If elected, what are your top three priorities for your first year and how will you accomplish those?
Public Safety is my priority. It’s a complex issue that impacts all of Whatcom County. Three key areas are our fentanyl crisis, the need for an appropriate jail facility and increased demand for behavioral and substance abuse services. Progress can be made through accountability, transparency and collaboration. Accountability with programs we are funding regarding outcomes. Transparency in how tax dollars and our local, state and federal resources are utilized in these areas. Collaboration with community members, public and private partners and among the council. This will keep the county council engaged, community informed and everyone actively focused on creating real
solutions.
Q: Where would you like to see funding prioritized in the Whatcom County budget?
The current budget runs through 2024. The jail levy (if passed), as well as local, state and federal funds will already be allocated towards my priorities around the fentanyl crisis, a facility and needed services. My priority would be to ensure that we as a council are being held accountable for what we have promised the public in terms of how money is being spent and expected outcomes. If the jail levy does not pass, options to address a facility and needed services would be a priority discussion around funding and possible budget amendments.
Q: Whatcom County is set to update its comprehensive plan by June 2025. What changes would you like to see in the 2025 comprehensive plan update to plan for future growth?
In the at-large race, I am one part of the team. I plan to engage with staff, and fellow council members who represent their districts, to better understand what their constituents have shared and their goals for the comprehensive plan update. It is important that we plan for growth that is aligned with the Growth Management requirements and where it makes the most sense while preserving what we love about Whatcom County. This needs to be a collaborative effort to have the best possible outcome for those that live here and those joining us in the future.
The All Point Bulletin asked Whatcom County sheriff candidates why they are running for the position, a four-year term, in the November 7 general election. The candidates provided written responses to the questions.
Donnell Tanskley
Donnell Tanksley has worked as Blaine Police Chief for four years. Before that, he worked as chief of police at Portland State University and assistant chief of police at Western Washington University. He also has served as lieutenant at St. Louis Police Department, and in the U.S. Navy and U.S. Air Force. He earned his master’s in management from Fontbonne University in St. Louis.
Q: If elected, what are your top three priorities for your first year and how will you accomplish those?
Here's what I will do: Expand mental health training for deputies, recruit and train staff so we have safer neighborhoods with faster response times, and increase emergency preparation so we are ready for what comes our way. I’ll increase the focus on getting dangerous drugs out of our community and combating drug trafficking. Also to consider is the vote for a new jail and services. If it passes, I’ll work with county officials and others to craft a plan. If it fails, I’ll pull the community together to hear from people about their considerations. Either way, the current administration has allowed the jail to deteriorate and fail to have a proper maintenance plan.
As sheriff, how would you ensure the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office takes a proactive approach to support the behavioral health needs in the community?
One of my top priorities if elected is to expand mental health training for law enforcement. Rather than getting the minimum hours of mental health training, deputies should get a 40-hour crisis intervention certification. This training teaches you how to de-escalate, and how to interact with different people in the community who might be experiencing trauma. We must also create effective co-response teams with behavioral health professionals. These teams comprise mental health experts who accompany officers during specific crisis-related calls, ensuring compassionate and suitable responses. Finally, we must have direct community input on hiring decisions.
What solutions as sheriff would you propose to ease public safety concerns in Whatcom County?
As Whatcom County’s next sheriff, I’ll improve public trust and accountability. I will reduce crime through quick, fair and impartial law enforcement; modernize the sheriff’s office, including our data systems; work with our community to reduce homelessness with compassion; push for more treatment for drug and alcohol use and mental health disorders; lead on building a safe, modern community justice center; and expand mental health training for law enforcement. I will prioritize policing initiatives to strengthen the bond between law enforcement and the neighborhoods we serve, fostering a sense of partnership and cooperation.
Doug Chadwick
Doug Chadwick currently is undersheriff of Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office, where he has spent 30 years working a variety of positions including chief deputy for the Bureau of Law Enforcement and Investigative Services and lieutenant of patrol operations. Raised in Whatcom County, Chadwick earned his bachelor’s degree in biology from Western Washington University and enhanced his credentials through the FBI National Academy and FBI Command Institute.
Q: If elected, what are your top three priorities for your first year and how will you accomplish those?
As sheriff, how would you ensure the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office takes a proactive approach to support the behavioral health needs in the community?
I will enhance programs and strategies that focus on assisting people in crisis. This includes the current behavioral health deputy and co-responder programs, which partner a behavioral health specialist with a deputy to provide crisis services to people where they are.
I’ll work with the health department and corrections medical staff to provide 24/7 medical, mental health and substance use disorder services within the main jail and work center.
I’ll request funding from county council and the legislature to support navigators to assist those being released from jail with temporary housing and connections to treatment and other service providers.
What solutions as sheriff would you propose to ease public safety concerns in Whatcom County?
I’ll continue to place a strong emphasis on training. In addition to mandated violence de-escalation and mental health training, the sheriff’s office regularly trains deputies in defensive tactics, force response, use of nonlethal alternatives/equipment and emergency first aid/CPR.
To recruit and retain professional peace officers, Whatcom County must be competitive in the regional market. I’ll advocate for competitive wages, benefits and safe working conditions for sheriff’s office employees.
Fentanyl and the proliferation of dangerous drugs contributes to rising crime and the tragic loss of loved ones from fatal overdoses. I’ll aggressively target those who profit from the sale of dangerous drugs to the most vulnerable in our communities.
The All Point Bulletin asked Blaine School Board District 1 candidates questions to learn why they are running for the seat in the November 7 general election. The District 1 position is a four-year term that represents Point Roberts and downtown Blaine. The candidates provided written responses to the questions.
Kimberly Akre
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Kimberly Akre is a current Blaine School Board member, appointed in January to the position. She co-owns Pacific Building Center and has children who have attended Blaine schools. Born in Blaine, Akre attended Whatcom Community College and has served as president of Blaine Chamber of Commerce.
Q: If you retain your seat, what are your top three priorities for your first year and how will you work to accomplish those?
A: My priorities for the upcoming school year will be to keep working with the board and administrators to find ways to work within our budget and provide quality education for all the students in the district. I also want to spend some time volunteering in the schools so that I can be hands on and knowledgeable about the schools. I also plan to continue to make myself as accessible as possible to the community so they know that if they have a question or concern, they can come to me, and I can help them find the answers they are looking for.
Blaine school district’s 2022-23 budget forecast a $14 million deficit by 2026 if expenditures continued to outpace revenues. How would you like to see the district balance the budget?
The budget issue is incredibly difficult to navigate. We are working within a system that requires us to provide so much for students and does not offer adequate funding for these needs. There are only so many things that we can do locally to work within these constraints. My biggest concern is that we will end up having to make cuts that will be detrimental to the district and community. So my hope is the community will unite and advocate for adequate funding. I will continue to keep educating myself about school funding and work with the board to try and minimize the effects of the budget shortfall.
What do you believe are the top issues facing the school district, and how will you work as a school board member to address those?
The main issue that the district is facing right now is funding. We are so fortunate to have great educators whose main goal is to ensure student success. They are asking for support in achieving their goals and the board and administration want to be able to provide that. I will encourage people to support the proposed bond/levy vote that will allow us to continue to operate while also making much needed upgrades to facilities and working on future district projects.
Erika Creydt
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Erika Creydt is a current Blaine School Board member for District 3, elected in 2021. Creydt is a third-generation Blaine resident who works as clinical director at TouchStone Counseling. She has three children and earned a doctorate in clinical psychology from Adler University in Chicago.
Q: If re-elected, what are your top three priorities for your first year and how will you work to accomplish those?
Strong academics, safety for youth/staff, and support for teachers and students. Being a teacher is very hard work and teachers need to feel heard and supported in order to do their best work. It’s important that we give teachers the tools and resources they need to thrive and do their best work with students. It’s critical that the environment is one that fosters communication.
Blaine school district’s 2022-23 budget forecast a $14 million deficit by 2026 if expenditures continued to outpace revenues. How would you like to see the district balance the budget?
It is absolutely vital that the district have a yearly work session on the budget that is open to the public where we go through – line item by line item – and ensure we are being good stewards of the public money. We need board members who advocate for transparency, are willing to provide oversight and view asking questions as part of their job.
What do you believe are the top issues facing the school district, and how will you work as a school board member to address those?
Loss of enrollments has created a challenge for the district in that the budget then contracts when we see large changes. We need to foster a culture from the top down that encourages communication about why-then reacts to how we can better retain students via meeting their needs. Parent voices are important and need to be heard. Parents provide essential information and insight into what their kids are experiencing and what they need to thrive. When we value these voices, people won’t leave the district and we will have a more stable budget that positively impacts the system as a whole.
The All Point Bulletin asked Blaine School Board District 2 candidates questions to learn why they are running for the seat in the November 7 general election. The District 2 position is a four-year term that represents east Blaine and areas directly south of downtown. The candidates provided written responses to the questions.
Ben Lazarus
Ben Lazarus is a full-time instructor at the British Columbia Institute of Technology who teaches aircraft mechanics. He previously owned Westwind Marine boat repair in Point Roberts and has two daughters attending Blaine schools.
Q: If elected, what are your top three priorities for your first year and how will you work to accomplish those?
In my first year, my priorities will be to listen to as many voices as I can, learn how to be effective as a board member, and build as many collaborative relationships as I can. I think it is very important to listen and gather information before deciding what needs to be changed, because things often happen for reasons that we don’t understand before digging a little deeper. I have been attending PTO meetings because they are a great place to speak to both parents and staff. My daughters and their friends (currently attending BHS) have provided me with insight from the students’ perspective.
Blaine school district’s 2022-23 budget forecast a $14 million deficit by 2026 if expenditures continued to outpace revenues. How would you like to see the district balance the budget?
I want us to create a learning environment that attracts more students back into our schools, and the additional funding that would bring. The arts often bear the brunt of budget cuts, but I believe that our arts programs and sports teams are crucial to keeping students in school. Trades programs can provide learning opportunities that are very difficult to replicate in homeschooling. For those who still want to choose homeschooling, I would like to find ways for our schools to support those students, and bring some of that revenue back into our district.
What do you believe are the top issues facing the school district, and how will you work as a school board member to address those?
Other than seeking better funding from the state, I keep hearing about vaping/bullying in the bathrooms, and a desire for better engagement with our superintendent. A new bathroom coordination app is being implemented, and I will be listening to hear if it is effectively resolving problems. Regarding Dr. Granger, I have heard both support and opposition to his leadership. I will be listening to teachers, administrators and Dr. Granger himself to form my own opinion so I can improve how we guide and direct him and I can make an informed vote when his contract is up for renewal.
Dean Berkeley
Dean Berkeley previously served as a North Whatcom Fire and Rescue commissioner, former Vice President of the Sedro-Woolley Fire Fighter Association and is president of a HOA in Blaine. Berkeley studied at Kwantlen Polytechnic University and British Columbia Institute of Technology.
Q: If elected, what are your top three priorities for your first year and how will you work to accomplish those?
Increase help/funding for IEP programs. Increase help/funding for trades and expand that into the 8th grade. Look for extra ways to make money for the school. Example: Open the concession stands for all school sporting events, small and large.
Blaine school district’s 2022-23 budget forecast a $14 million deficit by 2026 if expenditures continued to outpace revenues. How would you like to see the district balance the budget?
We need to look at cutting the fat from the top and work our way down, working with the minimal management. Teachers/counselors/nurses would be the last to be cut.
The money provided to the district is all our money and needs to be managed properly to give our children the best education/experience in life. A new priority needs to be set for spending and I will work with the board on that.
What do you believe are the top issues facing the school district, and how will you work as a school board member to address those?
Ask parents why they are pulling kids from our school? Ask why we lost so many teachers and psychologist. Ask why the teachers were forced by the superintendent to close their tutoring classes after school. We need to hear from the community and the students that can voice their opinion on classes and issues they are frustrated with. Then work with the board on how to fix the concerns.
The All Point Bulletin asked Blaine School Board District 3 candidates questions to learn why they are running for the seat in the November 7 general election. The District 3 position is a two-year unexpired term that represents north Birch Bay and Birch Point. The candidates provided written responses to the questions.
Cliff Freeman
Cliff Freeman is a retired civil engineer at Anvil Corporation and a Blaine High School class of ’71 graduate. He has volunteered at Blaine Athletic Booster Club, Blaine Food Bank, St. Anne Catholic Church’s Parish Council and other local organizations.
Q: If elected, what are your top three priorities for your first year and how will you work to accomplish those?
Establish a working relationship with the superintendent and board of directors. One of the primary responsibilities of a director is to supervise and evaluate the superintendent. This is accomplished through close communication (on a daily/weekly basis as necessary) to understand how the superintendent operates and how effective he is in conducting the district’s business. And, it’s important for the board to operate as a unit.
Enrollment is down so state funding is down, and that is unlikely to change anytime soon. I will work with the superintendent and staff to understand all the working pieces and support a plan to operate within a balanced budget. No new taxes.
Stop the woke agenda that is poisoning the minds of our kids. Be it diversity training, CRT, social and emotional learning, inappropriate sex education, reducing parent’s rights, this transgender contagion, the list goes on. I will take a hard look at the curriculum. I need to understand the state requirements that promote this craziness as well as any district policies, if any, that contribute to it. And, make adjustments if needed. The curriculum needs to reflect the values of the community.
Blaine school district’s 2022-23 budget forecast a $14 million deficit by 2026 if expenditures continued to outpace revenues. How would you like to see the district balance the budget?
We’ll need to revisit priorities. Reading/writing/arithmetic, career training, arts and sports are all essential to basic education. As well as good facilities and competent staff (teachers, administrators, etc.). I don’t have an answer until I understand where all the are spent. However, I don’t want a tax increase to solve the problem.
What do you believe are the top issues facing the school district, and how will you work as a school board member to address those?
School funding and the evils of woke, as previously noted.
Jeff Carrington
Jeff Carrington is a realtor broker and is a commissioner at Blaine-Birch Bay Park and Recreation District 2. His family has lived in the area for four generations and he is a former Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce president.
Q: If elected, what are your top three priorities for your first year and how will you work to accomplish those?
I will be familiarizing myself with the policies, procedures and personnel surrounding the operational end of the school district. I will also focus on reviewing the current curriculum, while reaching out to better understand the concerns of the educators, parents and students that the system is designed to support.
Blaine school district’s 2022-23 budget forecast a $14 million deficit by 2026 if expenditures continued to outpace revenues. How would you like to see the district balance the budget?
Two ways in any business to balance a budget: Increase revenue and cut costs. I would like to start by helping to design a stronger outreach program to current and new residents of our school district boundaries. Blaine schools have seen a decrease in enrollment over the last few years due to a lot of issues. Our state funding for education is based on enrollment. Let's isolate those issues, work to improve them, highlight the attractive aspects of the public school system and design new ways of reaching current residents and families that are moving into the community. It is also my understanding that strong lobbying efforts to the state of Washington for increased funding is an avenue that needs to be addressed. That being said, the current budget and available funds need a constant review to assess if they are best practices with respect to operations.
What do you believe are the top issues facing the school district, and how will you work as a school board member to address those?
I will need time within the system to isolate the top issues of the district. I believe this to be part of the process of an initial review and introduction to the role of serving on the board. Currently the issues that have been relayed to me are the challenges surrounding staffing, the mental health and daily wellbeing of the students and the current financial position of the district.
The All Point Bulletin asked Blaine School Board District 4 candidates questions to learn why they are running for the seat in the November 7 general election. The District 4 position is a four-year term that represents a large section of Birch Bay and Point Whitehorn. The candidates provided written responses to the questions.
Derrick Bovenkamp
Derrick Bovenkamp works in healthcare information technology and has served as an adjunct professor at Bellingham Technical College. Bovenkamp is the parent of a Blaine student and has volunteered with Boy Scouts of America.
Q: If elected, what are your top three priorities for your first year and how will you work to accomplish those?
Declining state test scores – According to the Washington state numbers, our district looks to be at least 10 percent lower today than preCovid levels which already weren't great. We need to work with the administration, teachers, and parents to define clear and measurable standards and ideas for improving performance of our students then hold administration to improving those standards.
Forecasted budget deficit – See budget question.
Making sure the school board is accountable to the community – communication is key. We need to make sure it’s easy for parents to know what decisions are being made and when.
Blaine school district’s 2022-23 budget forecast a $14 million deficit by 2026 if expenditures continued to outpace revenues. How would you like to see the district balance the budget?
We can't do things the way we've always done them any longer. With only 36 more students, the budget is up 83 percent over 10 years compared to a 30 percent increase on the consumer price index. This isn't a sustainable level of growth. We need to review the current budget and look for ways to become more efficient with the money we have. Every purchase or line item needs to stand on its own, don’t purchase things just because it was budgeted for unless it’s still the right thing to do. We need to change the culture on the budget.
What do you believe are the top issues facing the school district, and how will you work as a school board member to address those?
Like I already said in the first question, declining state test scores and the forecasted budget deficit and the top two issues I’m looking to work on. The first steps are acknowledging the issues we have and working with the superintendent and other board members to devise possible solutions and define what measurable success looks like. We then need to seek input from teachers and parents, evaluate pros and cons and make the best decision with the students’ best interest in mind and provide leadership in that direction. Then we need to hold the administration accountable to that measurable success.
Ryan Ford
Ryan Ford attended Blaine schools and now manages a sales team in his family’s third-generation trucking and crane business. He has taught Blaine youth groups and has five children in Blaine.
Q: If elected, what are your top three priorities for your first year and how will you work to accomplish those?
Blaine school district’s 2022-23 budget forecast a $14 million deficit by 2026 if expenditures continued to outpace revenues. How would you like to see the district balance the budget?
As mentioned above, finding out how did we get into the situation we are in and how can we be able to find other financial resources that we may not be currently utilizing, i.e. grants from both government and the private sector.
What do you believe are the top issues facing the school district, and how will you work as a school board member to address those?
I already mentioned the budget but a close second I feel is district to student and community communication. I think if we all came together and had more community participation we would be much better off.
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