Niver sets record straight on his stance on issues
I was surprised by your article on the District 1 port race. Your portrayal of my beliefs misrepresented my position, record and attitude on many issues.

I try to examine both the positive and negative aspects of issues before making decisions, however your article only reflected my cautions on issues not my support of issues.

To set the record straight, I believe Bob Hyde has done an excellent job in reforming port staff and image. I enjoy working with Bob. He accepts and encourages constructive criticism because he wants to do a better job.

The same is true of all the port directors. Your article ignored my contributions and record in changing a dysfunctional and confrontational port into the best port in this state.

We are now partners with the city, the county and the Department of Ecology transforming polluted properties to productive use, acquiring grant funding for economic development and rebuilding our shoreline for marine habitat and public access, just to mention a few.

Stating that I opposed development at the airport is incorrect. I opposed expansion. I supported all maintenance of facilities, retaining wetlands and wooded buffers, repaving and all genuine safety improvements.

I’ll admit my attitude did turn negative when I read your article.
Ray Niver
District 1 Port of Anacortes commissioner

Have you noticed? Running for port commissioner is really popular.
Short for Port and Elect Prosser signs adorn Commercial and Oakes avenues. Roger Born and Ray Niver are covered in a lengthly article in the Anacortes American and also featured on Yahoo. And honestly, being a former fish peddler myself, I never knew Keith Rubin worked in the local fish plant.

All this hoopla is a great thing to behold. It really shows just how successful the port has been recently in responding to the needs of the community — not just special interest groups! Sorry Ray.

Much of the credit goes to the port’s Executive Director Bob Hyde, and by the way, he is running for a position on the local school board.

For many years, the port seemed to be a completely separate kingdom mostly battling the inhabitants of that very same kingdom. Then, somebody sprinkled a little fairy dust or perhaps it was all that money going to the attorneys.

Seriously, we are not like Everett or Bellingham where port facilities are off on some side street. The port is right in downtown Anacortes. Everything the port does not only has an economic impact but it also improves or harms Anacortes.

This is why the port commissioners need to be at public hearings on things like the 10-year comprehensive plan, the marine skills vocational center and the proposed small boat center.

They need to listen. I’m one who really appreciates their presence.

In summary, the whole community has a vested interest in who sits on the port commission. And perhaps, this is why the bickering seems so personal. Because, we all care.
Lyndon Greene
Anacortes

Rubin big part of port’s recent successes
In the Port of Anacortes race between Keith Rubin and Guy Davidson, the choice is clear.

Keith Rubin has a long record of leadership and hard work.

When Keith was first elected to the port, he inherited a totally dysfunctional operation. The port had been locked into a ridiculous battle over the airport that not only cost us taxpayers thousands of dollars, but also cost us valuable time for more serious business. It seemed at times that the airport was the only issue on their agenda and they had lost direction from their stated mission.

Keith saw the problems, promised change, rolled up his sleeves and went to work. His leadership took the port from where it was to being voted “Port of the Year” by the Washington Public Ports Association. The Port has also received national awards for the environmental cleanup accomplished in large part due to Keith’s leadership. The economic development accomplished with Keith has been tremendous with the addition of several hundred family wage jobs generated in the port district in the last four years.

Being involed in the maritime industry essentially his whole life, Keith has always been an advocate for public access to port properties. Unlike most marinas in the state, the Cap Sante basin is uniqe in that it remains unlocked and ungated, allowing public access to walking the docks, enjoying our new marina, summer concerts and movies, etc.

Keith Rubin is a proven leader with no agenda other than making the Port of Anacortes the best it can be. Again the choice is clear, please join me in re-electing Keith Rubin to the Port of Anacortes Board of Commissioners.
Tom Montgomery
Anacortes

The city has momentum under Maxwell
Mayor Dean Maxwell is what Anacortes needs.

He has served the city very well during his four terms and I believe it is very important to keep up the momentum and elect him to a fifth term.

I have been honored to know, respect and trust Dean for 50-plus years and I know the city of Anacortes and its residents are always foremost in his decisions.

When many people could not wait to leave Anacortes after graduation, Dean could not wait to stay and serve. From coaching Little League, acting as a reserve officer on the police department and being an active Lions Club member, Dean has always been here for us and I am proud to support him.

The city of Anacortes is solvent and we have a great future. We can thank Mayor Maxwell and his staff for much of that.
Brian Deaton
Anacortes

Pool levy will keep valuable asset in shape
The Fidalgo Pool and Fitness Center is a valuable asset to our community.
It promotes health and wellness for all ages. From prenatal aquatic exercise, water aerobics, lap swimming, water walking and Silver Sneakers to swimming lessons and swim teams. It is the place for fun activities and equipment for our children and young adults as well as for our seniors.
It provides the therapeutic benefits that only water therapy can bring for anyone recovering from surgery or dealing with chronic disease or illness.
Please support the operational levy — and keep this great facility and professional, caring staff in our community.
Joan Olson
Anacortes

City’s role in Oyster Run appreciated
Congratulations to the city of Anacortes on its excellent organization and handling of the just-completed Oyster Run.

This event is a powerful economic driver for Anacortes, filling our hotels and restaurants and providing welcomed selling opportunities for many of our merchants. It also serves as an introduction to our city for thousands of visitors, reinforcing our assets, and inviting return trips.

The transformation of downtown from wall-to-wall people and bikes on Sunday afternoon to normalcy on Monday morning is truly remarkable. From the extra police presence to the street cleaning crews that do such an efficient job at the end of the day, your efforts are all greatly appreciated.

Hosting an event that basically doubles our population each year is no small feat. The fact that participants return year after year is an indication that we’re doing something right. Thanks again to the city for their skill in making Oyster Run a reality.
Zee Hogan
President, Anacortes Chamber of Commerce

Golf tourney raised funds for hospice care
A special thank you to all individuals and businesses for their generous donations toward our 2009 Similk Ladies Hospice Golf Tournament. Tournament proceeds help provide much-needed hospice care in our county.
Roseanne Bush
Chair, Similk Ladies Golf Club

Effort behind food drive was fantastic
The St. Vincent de Paul Society, St. Mary Conference, of Anacortes wishes to thank publicly the Seahawk Athletic Booster Association (SABA), their president Rob Rieger, Athletic Director Rick Mergenthaler and his athletic teams and their cheerleaders, students’ parents, and our always most generous community, for the incredible donation of food to our food bank.
We also wish to thank Safeway and The Market for their fine support.

The time and effort that these young people put forth during their annual collection resulted in a much-needed replenishment of our food bank.

Our organization is relatively small and provides food and financial assistance to the needy on Fidalgo Island. Although we are supported primarily by the parishioners of St. Mary Church, our doors are open to all in need. Gifts of this magnitude are indeed a wonderful blessing.

We just want to let you know how grateful we are and how truly appreciative we are of the fruits of your labor. Again, we thank you and we know that the people in need thank you also. Keep up the good work!
May God bless your wonderful organization.
Barbara Oos
President, St. Vincent de Paul Society
Lynne Webb
Project Coordinator, St. Vincent de Paul Society

Great support for PTA membership drive at Fidalgo
On behalf of the Fidalgo PTA I’d like to thank the following businesses for their generous donations during our membership drive on the first day of school.

Strawberry Bay Coffee Co., The Market at Anacortes and Safeway all donated fresh coffee and donuts that parents and teachers alike enjoyed while filling out their membership forms with the PTA. It was a nice reprieve during the controlled chaos of the morning.

The need for the PTA has never been greater as our schools rely on us to give as much assistance as is possible. We are grateful to the local Anacortes businesses for their generosity and good will, helping us in our endeavor to create an effective support system for our schools.

By supporting us these businesses also support the children of our community — and that makes us stronger.
Mia Troy,
Fidalgo PTA