Another View of the Vashon Park District

This article is being written by a private citizen of Vashon, who happens to be a Vashon Park District Board Commissioner,  in response to a article by Lu-Ann Branch, which was not reviewed or approved by the Park District Board before it was published.  

Based upon a survey conducted by the Park District before the election last year, which was completed by 231 community members, the Park District has been doing a poor job of serving the community.  While 35% of the respondents indicated they were somewhat to very satisfied with the Park District, 56% were somewhat to very dissatisfied. When you compare the very satisfied to the very dissatisfied, the results are more dramatic, 7% to 32%. This concerns me since a new operating levy must be passed soon, and such opinions indicate levy approval may be in jeopardy.

The survey also provided useful information as to what is important to the community, with many respondents mentioning multiple items.  When you combine financial controls/budgeting (28), retire debt (17) and a financial reserve (10), our financial situation tops the list. However, the highest single item is needed improvements to maintenance (31).

While a small group wanted to discontinue athletic programs and an equally small group wanted to stop non-athletic programs, a much larger group called for balance where all programs have a seat at the table. Many wanted to finish the VES project, while an equal number wanted to restore programs and increase staff to provide better service.

What has the board done since the election? A small $50,000 reserve was included in the current budget and our maintenance supervisor and general manager were sent to a class to improve maintenance procedures. Another maintenance position was added  just two weeks ago. All this is good.

What about the VES project? Unfortunately, it is business as usual. Even though the work needed to satisfy the final permit requirements had not been put out to bid, the previous board voted to complete the work in 2014, with all the unknown funding amount coming from our new budget.

This is where I disagree about the advisability of “moving on”.  I agree that it makes financial sense to satisfy the VES permit requirements sooner, rather than later. However, a blank check from the Park District is not the solution. As was mentioned by several survey responders, it is time to return to the funding model that financed great facilities at Ober Park, Jensen Point and Paradise Ridge, where the users/community contributed a greater share toward the project cost. We should not wait until the next request. This model should be used to finish VES.

I discussed this option with several islanders, including fields users. However, I was waiting to receive a solid bid for the proposed work before discussing options with the rest of the board. Unfortunately, Lu-Ann’s statement that “we expect to complete that work this year” gave the impression this was a done deal, which I dispute. Again, failure to fund our project differently in 2014, could convey things have not changed, which may lead to dire consequence at the ballot box next year.

As was highlighted in the survey, I am committed to advocating for the elimination of all Park District debt and the accumulation of a reserve to address all extraordinary future needs. This would address the major concern voiced by the State Auditor, which resulted in a wasted $10,000 for an unnecessary audit. In that regard, I plan to work with my fellow commissioners to develop a long-term plan before the end of June, which will accomplish this goal.

One commissioner has warned me I could have issues with other commissioners and at least one user group thereby becoming ineffective, if I push for these changes. While I hope that will not be the case, I remain committed to the tenets of my campaign last fall and to the 2,400 voters who believed I would help deliver a fiscally-responsible Park District that is inclusive (balanced) when funding programs for the entire community. At the same time, the Park District needs to address the maintenance needs identified by the public.

I, personally, am focused on the next 90 days. By making key decisions during this timeframe the Park District will have a full year to deliver a “New” Park District. It would be great if after June 30th Peter Ray could extinguish his camera and the Beachcomber no longer would find newsworthy items at Park District meetings.