The “ExploreIncorp-BB” process that Kathy Berg and her cohorts are conducting to work toward making Birch Bay a city held its second meeting last Monday, with emphasis on civility and openness to contrary opinions. Nonetheless, the small group is emphasizing information, particularly the consultants’ report on incorporation feasibility. Many of the participants bring the report in ring binders that they consult during the discussions. In her e-mails inviting participants, Berg emphasizes the availability of information at http://www.birchbayinfo.org/
So it is remarkable that naysayers show up willing to contest on the basis of unsubantiated perceptions. What is remarkable is that the most vocal are coming from Birch Bay Village, the upscale, gated community where astuteness would be expected. One woman, attending for the second time, was adamant that the feasibility study’s information that costs of personnel and services could be provided for the same tax dollars, as now paid to the county, could not be accurate. And she didn’t give up when confronted with facts from the study.
More remarkable is that she wasn’t driven from the meeting with ridicule. Berg is adamant that all voices should be heard. She is encouraging debate and patience with conflicting opinions, apparently recognizing that reaching agreement will be a time-consuming process. As we’ve noted before, she seems to be awaiting unexpected tipping points.
One might be an accident at the cumbersome bend on Birch Point Drive near the entrance to Birch Bay Village that causes so many complaints. Some are calling this “Dead Man’s Curve.” Not wishing to suggest a tragedy, we think a better name is “Pete’s Folly”, personifying anger toward county management.
Many of the ‘pros’ for incorporation discussed at these meetings can be summarized as local control – over development and police protection. Birch Bay Village, with its own security service and a building review process, has control over those issues, but that stupid curve makes clear that the Village isn’t an island with complete control.
A ‘con’ argument is that Birch Bay doesn’t have people who could run a successful government. “It would be like Blaine,” they say. The easy retort is: “Compare water and sewer. Birch Bay’s is free of debt and well operated; Blaine’s is deep in the red and polluting Drayton Harbor.”
It is easy to visualize a future city council discussing issues responsibly. We are especially impressed with Doug Robertson. Having spent 26 years as a fireman, now working in construction, he is well informed on local government issues. And most impressive is his demeanor. Like a St. Bernard, he maintains calm when the terriers start barking.
As for those who say Kathy Berg isn’t executive material, we say come and watch. We’ve been observing her for five years and we’re catching on to her sagacity. While she wouldn’t use a big word like that, this modest soul is up to the challenge.
Come, yourself, and observe – and participate.
The next meeting is Monday, September 8 at 7 o’clock in the Birch Bay Bible Community Church on Jackson Road.
So it is remarkable that naysayers show up willing to contest on the basis of unsubantiated perceptions. What is remarkable is that the most vocal are coming from Birch Bay Village, the upscale, gated community where astuteness would be expected. One woman, attending for the second time, was adamant that the feasibility study’s information that costs of personnel and services could be provided for the same tax dollars, as now paid to the county, could not be accurate. And she didn’t give up when confronted with facts from the study.
More remarkable is that she wasn’t driven from the meeting with ridicule. Berg is adamant that all voices should be heard. She is encouraging debate and patience with conflicting opinions, apparently recognizing that reaching agreement will be a time-consuming process. As we’ve noted before, she seems to be awaiting unexpected tipping points.
One might be an accident at the cumbersome bend on Birch Point Drive near the entrance to Birch Bay Village that causes so many complaints. Some are calling this “Dead Man’s Curve.” Not wishing to suggest a tragedy, we think a better name is “Pete’s Folly”, personifying anger toward county management.
Many of the ‘pros’ for incorporation discussed at these meetings can be summarized as local control – over development and police protection. Birch Bay Village, with its own security service and a building review process, has control over those issues, but that stupid curve makes clear that the Village isn’t an island with complete control.
A ‘con’ argument is that Birch Bay doesn’t have people who could run a successful government. “It would be like Blaine,” they say. The easy retort is: “Compare water and sewer. Birch Bay’s is free of debt and well operated; Blaine’s is deep in the red and polluting Drayton Harbor.”
It is easy to visualize a future city council discussing issues responsibly. We are especially impressed with Doug Robertson. Having spent 26 years as a fireman, now working in construction, he is well informed on local government issues. And most impressive is his demeanor. Like a St. Bernard, he maintains calm when the terriers start barking.
As for those who say Kathy Berg isn’t executive material, we say come and watch. We’ve been observing her for five years and we’re catching on to her sagacity. While she wouldn’t use a big word like that, this modest soul is up to the challenge.
Come, yourself, and observe – and participate.
The next meeting is Monday, September 8 at 7 o’clock in the Birch Bay Bible Community Church on Jackson Road.
