A newspaper’s dreams for the new year on Vashon | Editorial

It’s the beginning of January, the time of year when many of us look back at the past 12 months and reflect on what we’d like to see happen in the coming year. On Vashon, 2014 was a mixed bag. The year brought some positive things as motivated islanders continued to find ways to serve the community and worked to make Vashon a good place to live. For many, however, 2014 was also a difficult year, as several tragic deaths rocked the island.

January 7, 2015 6:00 am

It’s the beginning of January, the time of year when many of us look back at the past 12 months and reflect on what we’d like to see happen in the coming year. On Vashon, 2014 was a mixed bag. The year brought some positive things as motivated islanders continued to find ways to serve the community and worked to make Vashon a good place to live. For many, however, 2014 was also a difficult year, as several tragic deaths rocked the island.

In the spirit of looking ahead, here are 10 things we at The Beachcomber would like to see happen in 2015, some fanciful and far-fetched, some well within reach and a few quite up in the air.

1. Several new doctors decide to hang their shingles on the island, providing new options for patients and accepting many insurance plans and Medicare.

2. The Mukai Farmhouse is secured by the Friends of Mukai group, which restores and revitalizes the historic site, while the land trust raises enough money to purchase the former Matsuda strawberry farm down the road.

3. After years of kicking the can down the road, state lawmakers approve new funding for the cash-strapped ferry system. Prices for ferry tickets plummet.

4. The Vashon Park District’s levy is renewed by voters who realize strong leadership will help the district change course and taking away its funding will only hurt islanders.

5. Misty Isle Farms, back on the market, is purchased by a wealthy investor who leases it out for use as affordable housing, community farming and a dog park.

6. Vashon Youth & Family Services secures the funding it needs to rebuild and even expand its mental health and prevention programs.

7. Kids and families embrace the Vashon School District’s new suicide prevention program, participating in trainings and growing a greater understanding of mental health issues.

8. There are no more deaths due to suicides or tragic accidents.

9. A popular new restaurant opens up in the former Nirvana storefront, complementing the current dining options.

10. K2 is purchased by a responsible marijuana company that quietly produces pot — but not pot candy — and donates half its proceeds to community causes.