VOTE! The Future is Now

Editorial by Richard Hazelton

If there was ever an election that you wanted to vote in, this is it. Not only do we have such national issues as the Presidency, but also the future fate of Medicare, Social Security and a host of state and local issues. One race that has been of particular interest to boaters, especially the liveaboards, is the election for Commissioner of Public Lands. But before we start a chorus of "ding dong the witch is dead", we need to look at whose going to replace Jennifer Belcher, and what their position is on the evictions of liveaboards from marinas on DNR land, and other pertinent marine issues. Our choice has come down to Mike Lowry and Doug Sutherland.
As ex-governor of our state, Mike Lowry is a familiar face to Washington voters. It seems that when there is a vacant office, he is right there to offer his services. What his position would be on the liveaboard situation, and soon to be introduced legislation to clear up the ambiguities of the RCW, Laws is hard to say. Without saying he has been somewhat evasive on the liveaboard issue, it's hard to find a more defining statement than the one he made during a September 5, 2000 meeting with a few members of the Liveaboard Association of Puget Sound; "I just want to tread water on this issue."
Doug Sutherland, on the other hand, has been an open supporter of changing the interpretation of the present laws regarding liveaboards on DNR land (water). He has committed to work to help pass legislation with clear definitions and stated purposes regarding not only liveaboard situations, but other issues that affect us all as boaters.
Sutherland has received the indorsement of the Northwest Yacht Brokers Association and The Northwest Marine Trade Association. "(the commissioner of public lands is) -- a position that directly affects the boating industry more than any other statewide elected office," says NMTA. More on their endorsement.
While the conflict between Commissioner Belcher and the liveaboards has gotten the most press, who is chosen to replace her is vital. It is not just another political job to be filled, but a position that will have far reaching effects for all boaters in the years to come.

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