Column advanced deer conversation

I want to express my appreciation for the piece that Scott Doggett penned on May 1 about deer. 

While the City has been wanting to initiate a community conversation on what outcomes we want from deer management and how we take that on together in our community, it’s been lower on the priority list than, say, sewer, roads, housing, public safety, water, the Comprehensive Plan and other critical needs. 

Scott’s article does a lot in the meanwhile to help us understand how well-meaning actions might actually be making the situation worse and how we can all act now to reduce the need for a more widespread intervention. The City has been spending time and resources on code compliance issues related to deer feeding — time and resources that could be used to address the issue more holistically, especially if we shared a common base of information and awareness. 

Thanks to The Leader and to Scott for helping us all with momentum in that direction by delivering a piece that’s enjoyable to read and comes with clarity and utility.

John Mauro

Port Townsend City Manager

Council seat vacancy

means YOU

In the aftermath of the disastrous public process surrounding the so-called aquatic center and the near loss of our iconic golf course (not to mention the waste of scarce public funds), it is more important than ever before that we see change at city hall. Anyone who was proud of the citizens who stood up to challenge Council’s course of action has a chance now to influence the future by applying to fill the council seat that has just become vacant. Please step up for the good of all.

Brent Shirley

Former Mayor of Port Townsend

Open mind, listen harder 

I hope that each of us can learn to appreciate the power of listening to one another in spite of individual differences. When we open our minds and hearts we begin to see how each of us carries our own story with many struggles and personal joys. Having a local newspaper that values different opinions makes a big difference. When reading all the letters each week we get an opportunity to widen our own point of view.

This is the season of graduations, concerts, festivals, and the return of beloved plants and flowers. New buildings and positive changes in our community. Hopefully, more potholes covered and roads repaired.

I keep my hopes high and my eyes open each morning as I walk down the road, waving to friends who pass me by.

Spring brings out the best in us. Our hearts widen as we see all the natural beauty surrounding us. Let each of us embrace kindness and respect as we make our own way each day ... on foot,on the bus, on bikes ...

Nan Toby Tyrrell

Port Townsend

Thanks from Fort Worden

Thank you to the many volunteers and supporters of the Friends of Fort Worden who recently joined us at our annual celebration. Your kind generosity will enable us to expand our work to remove invasive species and restore native habitat to our wonderful park. 

With your support, this fall we will be able to plant 1,000 native trees and plants to replace the invasive species we have been removing. In addition, the Port Townsend Rhododendron Society has asked the Friends to assume responsibility for the rhododendron garden at the Fort and we are honored to be the new caretaker of the beautiful gardens.

We appreciate your generous financial donations, strong community support, and, as always, our dedicated volunteers. 

Together, you make the Friends successful. 

Thank you for supporting the Fort!

Barry Denton, President

Friends of Fort Worden

State Park

Portholes deserve recognition

I’d like to submit a weekly photo called “Pothole of the week” with the street location such as this one at Cass & Lawrence Streets.

No other comments as the picture is worth a thousand words.

Cheers, 

Michael Morrow