The Washington State Commerce Department reports that our state is ranks the worst at number 50 out of the 50 states for housing shortage.  A shortage of housing creates increased rents and lack of affordability for purchases.     State Lawmakers are currently considering numerous bills to address the issue. 

Port Townsend, Gig Harbor, and Langley think so. They have adopted a proclamation that describes their support for action by local, state, federal and tribal governments to secure the inherent rights of the Southern Resident Orcas.

The proclamation states:

A little noticed item in the Islander from our absentee congressman includes over five million dollars for paved trails for the Zylstra Lake Preserve.

To the citizens of San Juan County, It has been an honor and a privilege to serve as your Sheriff. During my time as Sheriff, we accomplished so much together. We implemented a new 9-1-1 radio and telephone system. We put our marine unit back to work successfully rescuing and transporting hundreds of sick and injured people from all areas of our county during some of the worst weather when no other transport was available.

We began the unprecedented process of seeking state accreditation for the Sheriff’s Office and are currently only a few weeks away from meeting all requirements. We put a sergeant on each island which has provided better supervision and service. We utilized Lexipol to create San Juan County specific policies which dramatically improved our organization’s overall performance and professionalism.

I instituted a policy that all my command staff as well as field training officers would attend the FBI LEEDA leadership courses. As a result, our leaders were equipped with tools to better serve the citizens of San Juan County. I formed some incredible relationships that I hope will last and serve the Sheriff’s Office and San Juan County for years to come.

Above all, the thing I am proudest of during this time, is our amazing team at the Sheriff’s Office. I am so very thankful for having been in a position to recruit and hire some of the most talented and dedicated people we now have on our team. I have the utmost respect for the men and women of the Sheriff’s Office and sincerely consider myself most fortunate and privileged to have served them as Sheriff for the past eight years. I want to thank them for the excellent job they have done and continue to do every day. It is due to their quality of character and dedication that I am confident that the Sheriff’s Office will continue to provide the high level of service you have all come to know and expect.

Lastly to the citizens of San Juan County, who I consider to be my family. I have always taken my job, my duties, and my responsibilities seriously and personally. Serving my community has always been first and foremost in my heart. I look forward to returning to the Sheriff’s Office and continuing to do what I have always loved, serving my community and family.

I want to sincerely thank everyone for the support you have all given me and my family as well as the great men and women in the Sheriff’s Office.

I have truly been blessed.

Ron Krebs, San Juan County Sheriff