The Editor:
As former mayor of Blaine, I believe I have a keen sense of those leadership qualities necessary to move our community in a positive direction for our citizens, businesses and schools.
I am supporting Jiggy Sorrell, Isaac Newland, Don Enos and Sarbie Bains for Blaine City Council. I have gotten to know these individuals and their outlook for Blaine, and I am confident in their leadership and forward-thinking approach in making our community an even better place to live, work and play.
Please join me and vote Sorrell, Newland, Enos and Bains for Blaine City Council. Note: Although Mike Hill is on the ballot, he is not running for council, so please vote for Bains in his place.
Bonnie Onyon
Blaine
The Editor:
I am proud to offer my personal endorsement of Bob Feaster in his candidacy for the Blaine school district board of directors. Bob has demonstrated unwavering dedication to the children and families of our community for many years, both through his professional roles and his extensive volunteer work.
Bob’s commitment to supporting students is evident in his hands-on service as a recess staff member, where he connects daily with students and contributes to a positive school environment. Beyond the school walls, Bob volunteers with Wildbird Charity and Blaine Community Assistance Program, organizations that play a critical role in supporting families’ basic needs. His consistent presence in these spaces speaks to his character – reliable, compassionate and deeply invested in the well-being of others.
When the Family Service Center faced a leadership gap years ago, Bob didn’t hesitate to step in and ensure that services to students and families continued without interruption. His willingness to take on that responsibility reflects not only his strong sense of duty but also his deep understanding of how vital community support is to student success.
In addition to his local involvement, Bob brings a wealth of professional experience, including having served as assistant superintendent and in other public education roles. He understands the complexities of educational systems, yet he remains grounded in the day-to-day realities of students, families and staff.
Bob is not someone who will need time to “get up to speed.” He’s ready to dive in from day one, bringing both strategic insight and a heart for service. I am confident that his leadership on the school board will be thoughtful, student-centered and collaborative.
For these reasons, I support Bob Feaster for Blaine school district school board and encourage my fellow community members to do the same.
Julie-Anne Butschli
Blaine
The Editor:
I would like to take a moment to thank everyone who took the time to come out and participate at this past Monday’s town hall at city hall, especially our small business owners, working parents and young families. I know how difficult it is to step away from your work, your kids and your full schedules to attend these meetings. Your presence matters.
It’s encouraging to see people who are invested in the future of our community, not just those who show up with a negative attitude towards everything the city does. The discussions are more productive and balanced when people with different perspectives – including those who live, work and raise families here, take part.
So thank you again to everyone who showed up with an open mind and willingness to contribute. Our community needs much more positivity as you cannot imagine the amount of harassment and negativity the city staff, including the police and all councilors, receive on a daily basis.
Sarbie Bains
Blaine City Council
Blaine
The Editor:
Blaine’s efforts to fast-track annexing a large area of Birch Point in advance of Birch Bay’s incorporation appears predatory.
Acting with haste the city has put this on the ballot with no meaningful public engagement and without completing critical planning work. Residents are being asked to vote on something they know little about.
We are now learning from Whatcom County the entire land area to be annexed is a Critical Aquifer Recharge Area (CARA), suggesting the entire swap proposition is a bust.
The voter’s pamphlet incorrectly states that costs are paid by developers, yet planned developments along H Street have been delayed for years (decades) because the city could not afford the millions of dollars in needed infrastructure. The city’s own cost estimates for the swapped land for infrastructure are tens of millions of dollars.
Concerns have been raised over the city’s manipulation of the voter’s pamphlet – concealment of key information, disallowing credible volunteers to participate in its writing, and the ridiculous title “Reduction of City Limits.” This proposition appears fundamentally flawed and incomplete.
The city’s disregard for proper planning is why the Washington State Growth Management Act requires “early, continuous and inclusive public participation” throughout the entire planning process. This ensures transparency and accountability. Sadly, from my experience on Blaine’s Ad Hoc Downtown Advisory Committee, such public engagement is non-existent in Blaine.
To fill this leadership void, the community’s voice is needed. A first step is to demand early and continuous public participation. It is the law.
Glen Pentland
Blaine
The Editor:
I am a Birch Bay resident who is part of Future 42 Whatcom County, a nonprofit organization that connects you to your local government and highlights issues to be aware of and take action on to build a stronger country. We have just released our voters guide on the 12 charter amendments that everyone in Whatcom County will have the opportunity to vote on as part of this year’s general election.
You should have received your ballot in the mail last weekend. That’s why we’re providing this overview, not to tell you how to vote on every proposition, but to give you clear information you can use to make your own informed decisions.
Every 10 years, Whatcom voters elect a 15-member Charter Review Commission, made up of three elected commissioners from each of the county’s five districts. This commission, whose members were elected by voters in 2024, studied the county charter and recommended amendments to place on the ballot. All amendments required a super majority of 10 votes. The council or citizen-led initiatives can also propose changes, but most measures come from the commission’s work that was completed earlier this year.
This year, the commission reviewed over 40 amendments and advanced 12 to be decided by voters that are on your ballot. Some are small clarifications, while others could have lasting impacts on how county government operates. Go to Future42.org – select from the drop down menu: Issues – Whatcom County for a summary of each amendment, along with the text that appears on your ballot and Future 42’s recommendation on each measure.
Even if you disagree with Future 42 Whatcom’s recommendations that are presented on about half of the 12 amendments/propositions, this may be the only such guide for local voters on these important measures that only come around every 10 years.
Dann Mead Smith
Birch Bay
The Editor:
Hear Ye! Hear Ye! For those who haven’t heard, the Blaine Senior Center nonprofit is still alive and well! Currently seeking new board members for the annual election in December, nomination forms are available at the reception desk in the Blaine Senior Center.
We are excited to be entering this new chapter in our history. The Blaine Senior Center nonprofit was originally founded when the city of Blaine built the community center and committed to housing the senior center. Times change however, and the city opted to have the Blaine-Birch Bay Park and Recreation District 2 manage the senior center. So, we are now exploring a variety of possibilities for the future role of the nonprofit in our community.
If you are interested in helping chart a new course, are brimming with new ideas or want to just stay slow and steady we would invite you to put in your nomination form. New board members always bring a renewed energy to the team!
The deadline for nomination forms to be submitted is Thursday, October 30. Must have been a member of the Blaine Senior Center on June 30, 2025 to be eligible. Thank you for your consideration and support of our Blaine senior community.
Kelle Rankin-Sunter
Blaine
The Editor:
As a lifelong Whatcom County resident, construction and real estate professional with over three decades in the local market, I’ve seen how smart land-use decisions define our region’s future.
I urge readers to vote “Yes” on Proposition 2025-07 this November, approving the de-annexation of 573 acres in east Blaine, including the vital Grandis Pond area. This boundary shift preserves our natural heritage while enabling sustainable growth for all.
Environmentally, de-annexation is a win. Grandis Pond recharges aquifers, supports salmon runs and bird habitats, and buffers floods amid climate threats. Daily assessments reveal development’s toll: habitat loss and water degradation. Returning this land to rural Whatcom County protects these green lungs, keeping our county livable and investable.
Critically, it advances Washington’s Growth Management Act (GMA) compliance and housing affordability. The GMA mandates efficient urban growth area (UGA) planning for 20-year population needs, avoiding sprawl. De-annexing east Blaine unlocks infill projects, mixed-use redevelopments and primed UGA expansions for denser, cheaper builds.
This “land swap,” backed by county plans, cuts per-unit costs, aiding families, teachers and workers. Sprawl into sensitive zones inflates prices and strains infrastructure; de-annexation drives GMA-aligned, market-smart growth.
A “Yes” vote on Prop 2025-07 builds resilient Whatcom County – environmentally sound, legally compliant and inclusive. Let’s choose vision and smart volume.
Lyle Sorenson
Ferndale
