By Charlie Bermant

Peninsula Daily News

PORT HADLOCK — Ideas for economic development were offered during the first of a series of three community meetings designed to gather input on potential strategies.

Agencies must work together to achieve economic growth, said retired WSU Extension Director Katherine Baril in her role as part of Team Jefferson on Tuesday night.

“We need to pull in the same direction when it comes to grants and community improvements,” said Baril, who served as moderator along with Team Jefferson member Bill Wise.

“If we are not working together, the messages will get lost as we apply for grants and seek other funding to support these new ventures,” Baril added.

The meeting, which was for the purpose of soliciting ideas for future consideration by elected officials, included representatives of Jefferson County, the city of Port Townsend and the Port of Port Townsend.

For the most part, elected officials who attended did not participate.

They were there to listen, Baril said.

Upcoming meetings are both scheduled at 6:30 p.m. the next two Tuesdays. They will be Tuesday at 607 Water St. in Port Townsend and Feb. 1 at the Quilcene Community Center, 294952 U.S. Highway 101.

Permit process

Some in attendance criticized Jefferson County’s permit process, saying a move to preserve the environment at all costs hampers economic development.

“You are all trying to develop a vision for Jefferson County, and that is hurting us,” said Craig Durgan, who ran as a Republican for the 24th District’s Position 1, losing in the August primary.

“The best thing to do would to be forget about visions and get out of the way and let us get things done.”

One idea came from former legislative candidate Larry Carter of Port Ludlow, who suggested that Port Townsend market itself as a gay-friendly community.

Advertise as gay-friendly

“A lot of people will come to Port Townsend if we advertise it as gay-friendly, and they will spend lots of money,” said Carter, who unsuccessfully ran as a Republican for the 24th District’s Position 2, losing in the August primary.

“This is a money-making thing,” he said.

“I’m not associating the morals one way or another in this,” he added. “It’s about putting Port Townsend on the map as a destination location.”

After the meeting, Port Townsend Mayor Michelle Sandoval said she was offended by the idea of using gay people as a marketing tool.

While the meeting was designed to ask questions rather than provide answers, there occurred a certain amount of problem- solving.

Literacy

Teri Nomura, Jefferson County Democratic chairwoman, said she was concerned about the literacy level of high school graduates.

She said it was important that they know how to read and write well — and that doesn’t always occur.

Nomura said she was inspired by the technological ability of some young people and that it would be good for all ages if they could teach senior citizens how to use computers.

Port Townsend Deputy Mayor George Randels added: “Then, the seniors could teach the kids about good writing and grammar.”

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Jefferson County Reporter Charlie Bermant can be reached at 360-385-2335 or charlie.bermant@peninsuladailynews.com.