I am writing in regard to The Beachcomber article in last week’s issue about the most recent VMICC meeting (“Emmer opts not to turn over e-mails after VMICC vote”).
I was at the meeting because I wanted to see and hear for myself what is going on in the Vashon-Maury Island Community Council relative to the ongoing controversy regarding the use/abuse of the state Public Records Act. I was even more interested in attending after having read an especially relevant article in the Feb. 20 issue of the Seattle Times (“Bills in Olympia seek to rein in records ‘fishing’”), which reported on several bills under considered in the state Legislature that would reduce the economic burden to cities and communities of frivolous and harassing PRA requests.
I, too, am concerned with the misuse of laws by individuals with a personal (i.e., not pro-community) agenda to harass, intimidate, bully and coerce agencies and individuals. Unfortunately, this tactic and others are way too common, not only in Washington but in our world of divisive politics and ideologies. What happened to working together to solve problems? There are many issues on which the VMICC could be taking action — ferry service, land use, school funding, water quality, sustainability, etc.
By the time you read this, the various PRA bills (SB 5685, HB 1139 and HB 1299) either will be further along in the legislative process or will have died in committee, but in any case, the issue will continue to be debated and have an impact. On a local level, I encourage you to see for yourself what’s happening and vote on related motions at the next VMICC meeting on Monday, March 21.

­— Debby Jackson