With this set of answers from Greg Brotherton we complete our Q&A with the candidates running to replace Kathleen Kler as the Jefferson County District 3 Commissioner. You can read the discussion with the other candidates, Craig Durgan, Jon Cooke and RyanMcAllister, by clicking on each of their names.
Greg Brotherton is one of three Democrats in the race. He is the proprietor of Sea Change Cannabis in Discovery Bay, the first pot shop to open in Jefferson County. He also operates the Disco Bay Detour bar and performance space, the Discovery Bay Village Store and a recording business. He describes his marijuana business as “an economic driver for the Discovery Bay Area.” He is a graduate of Evergreen College and taught English in South Korea. His website contains more biographical information and further statements on his positions and reasons for running, which he discusses in his answers below.
Now, let’s hear from Greg Brotherton:
1. What do you see as the most critical need facing District 3 and what specifically will you do to address that need?
There are many needs in District 3, and throughout the county. Looking at a uniquely District 3 issue, I believe that rural internet is the key to levelling the playing field between rural and urban areas.
I would pursue legislative options, such as following the pilot program in Kitsap County which allows the PUD to give retail access if there aren’t any private companies that will provide the “Last Mile” service.
I would also work to encourage more Wireless Internet Service Providers. I was walking around Gardiner today, and many appreciative residents praised North Olympic Wireless for their service. We have a fiber backbone all the way down Highway 101. We need to open it up to small entrepreneurs to start decentralizing our broadband service.
I would also pursue 5G cellular towers, perhaps pushing the Opportunity Zones created by the state to incentivize investment and bring the cellular companies out to the country first.
2. There has been much talk of the need for regulatory reform by all the candidates in order to promote a more prosperous District 3. Which regulations would you change and how?
I have already been advocating the Jefferson County Board of Health to adopt the 2012 Washington State Recommended Standards for Water Conserving On-Site Septic Systems. This would allow, for example, composting toilets and greywater systems that reduce water use and often recapture the greywater for irrigation use, rather than mixing it with blackwater. Currently these systems are only permit-able with an on-site septic system in parallel.
I would work to change the On Site Sewage Code, 8.15, to allow these proven and often much cheaper alternatives.
Since all Commissioners are on the Board of Health, it will be much easier to advocate for composting toilets, and relaxing Additional Dwelling Unit limits on rural residential land. I can see a five acre parcel with five tiny houses on it, all with composting toilets and greywater systems feeding a central orchard. Five families could carve out a life in the space that one or two takes now.
3. What should the rest of the county, and Port Townsend in particular, be doing to alleviate the poverty and lack of economic opportunity in District 3?
Port Townsend has their own elected officials, and it is not a County Commissioners job to direct them. I hope to work with the city on issues that affect us all, like our recycling, health care, housing and more.
We should work with our farmers and small businesses to make it easier to build houses and businesses. With the capacity for value added products, the seasonal nature of a lot of farm work can go year-round. We should, again, work for rural broadband. There is nothing else that will educate us, allow us access to markets, and keep our voices relevant, so much as equal access to broadband.
It is my experience that District 3 residents aren’t looking for anything to be handed to us, we just want to take care of our business and have a voice at the table. There are obstacles in our permit process and in our infrastructure, but I am confident we can make progress on these important issues.
I am the only candidate with experience in five key areas.
1. I have managed assets worth in excess of $200,000,000. Jefferson County has many assets worth quite a lot of money.
2. I have managed budgets in excess of $10,000,000. It is important to have experience with large budgets.
3. I have developed land in Jefferson County for the last 20 years. So, I am quite familiar with what it takes a business to start in operation here and the land use regulations.
4. I have run a successful business in Jefferson County for over 20 years.
5. I am an engineer by training and understand infrastructure and why it is so vital to our economy.
All these skills are applicable to being a member of the Board of County Commissioners. I believe that my experience will serve the residents of Jefferson County well.
When my family moved to Jefferson County, District 3 was the only choice. I’ve lived in the suburbs, cities, and abroad, and never felt home until we came to Quilcene.
In this quickly changing world, Jefferson County needs a collaborative innovator, so we can be a leader in thoughtful rural development.
I have worked for sustainable development from all sides. As the owner of three thriving businesses in District 3, I know how to be successful within the county and have created over twenty jobs. As a member of the Quilcene School Board, I learned what it takes to be proactive and effective in strategic planning, budgetary review, and developing policy.
Jim Scarantino
Jim Scarantino was the editor and founder of Port Townsend Free Press. He is happy in his new role as just a contributor writing on topics of concern to him. He spent the first 25 years of his professional life as a trial attorney, then launched an online investigative news website that broke several national stories. He is also the author of three crime novels. He resides in Jefferson County. See our "About" page for more information.
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