Vashon-Maury Island Community Council elects three new members

John Staczek, a semi-retired professor who joined the Vashon-Maury Island Community Council executive board eight months ago, announced last week that he was stepping down from the volunteer board. The board Monday night, meanwhile, elected three Islanders to fill seats that have been vacated, including Staczek’s. Elected were Island activists Roger Fulton, Kari Ulatoski and Joe Ulatoski. The board’s decision goes before the entire council for ratification on March 15.

John Staczek, a semi-retired professor who joined the Vashon-Maury Island Community Council executive board eight months ago, announced last week that he was stepping down from the volunteer board.

The board Monday night, meanwhile, elected three Islanders to fill seats that have been vacated, including Staczek’s. Elected were Island activists Roger Fulton, Kari Ulatoski and Joe Ulatoski. The board’s decision goes before the entire council for ratification on March 15.

Jean Bosch, who chairs the nine-member board, said she was thrilled by the caliber of the three new board members, all of whom are well known on Vashon and active in civic affairs.

“We’re very fortunate,” she said. “They’re all extremely committed and tuned in and bright and seem to want to work.”

Staczek, a professor of management communication, said he decided to resign in part because of his mounting volunteer obligations.

He said he also was growing frustrated with the organization’s pace.

“There were ups and downs in making progress. I’d like to see a straight line of progress; I know it can be achieved,” he said.

The lack of a quorum in recent months has added to the slow pace, he said. The council, a volunteer organization that acts as a liaison to King County and provides a forum for town hall-style discussions, had a quorum at its February meeting — but that was the first one in several months.

“We got some action on some motions,” he said. “But … I don’t think it’s going to be consistent. Once every four months for me is not enough.”