State commerce director to speak at taxpayer’s AGM

Lisa J. Brown, PhD, director of the Washington State Department of Commerce, will be the keynote speaker at the Point Roberts Taxpayers Association’s (PRTA) 2022 annual general meeting. The AGM takes place on Thursday, July 21, from 5 to 7:30 p.m., at Kiniski’s Reef Tavern on Gulf Road.

Brown will be speaking on “Washington’s Economic Recovery: Helping Communities Thrive” and will address the challenges facing Point Roberts as it recovers from the pandemic and border shutdown. Her remarks will be followed by a question-and-answer period with the audience. Washington State Representative Sharon Shewmake is expected to participate as well.

Dr. Brown has served as director of the Department of Commerce since February 2019. Her prior roles include Chancellor of Washington State University, Spokane, and majority leader of the Washington State Senate. She holds a doctorate in economics from the University of Colorado, Boulder.

Following her presentation, the second half of the meeting will consist of organizational business, including the PRTA president’s report and election of officers. There will be an open session at the end for members to raise issues and concerns that the association’s board of directors should address in the coming year.

Membership in the association is open to all property owners (and adult family members) plus full-time residents who do not own property in Point Roberts. While only dues-paid members can vote, everyone is welcome to participate. Individual or family membership dues are $10 (US or Canadian), which can be paid at the door. The association will provide snacks and soft beverages, and a cash bar will be available inside the Reef.