Vashon Park Commissioners Candidates must File by May 15 for November Elections

Three seats are up for grabs in the November election. Bill Ameling and Joe Wald have refused to say whether they are running again. Bill has been on the Park Board almost since its beginning--nearly 30 years now. Term limits, anyone? Scott Harvey had a short term because he was filling out the seat originally vacated by Michael DeBlasi. But to be on the ballot in November, all candidates MUST FILE WITH THE KING COUNTY ELECTIONS OFFICE BY MAY 15 (by 4:00 by email, or 4:30 at the KC Elections Office itself--where you can look to see who else is filing for each seat).
The community needs candidates to run for these seats. These volunteer positions run for four years and entail about 20 to 24 public meetings a year. Five Board members ("commissioners") set policy and budget and review any major changes proposed for the District. Day-to-day running of the District falls to the Executive Director, who hires, fires and supervises staff, follows policy and recommends actions, and meets with the general public, the organized park user groups and stewards. The ED is assisted by the Director of Maintenance. The commissioners do not direct the staff in any way except through the ED.
Island citizens from all walks of life have served on the Vashon Park Board over the last 31 years. Many came initially because they were interested in a particular park, or a particular sport. But it becomes immediately obvious after election that commissioners have to look for fair and reasonable distribution of funds over many parks and play areas. Not many small communities have such a large and diverse set of parks and facilities as our island has. Even though we citizens have honored our park system with large sums of tax money and with devoted volunteer labor and donated funds and materials, it is easy to overspend in one area at the expense of others. What is required of commissioner candidates is willingness to study proposals from community groups and weigh their cost against the risk of endangering other parks or programs. Common sense is a virtue here!
Anyone interested in putting in a term at the VPD can talk to current and previous commissioners about the history and process. Please think whether you might be able to help put the Park Board back on a responsible and respected footing. But think fast--deadline this Friday!
If you have questions, you can call:
Truman O'Brien, former VPD commissioner 463-6209
Carol Ireland, former VPD commissioner 463-1400
or email Kristin Pesman, former VPD commissioner Kristinpes@gmail.com