In recent years, a turbulent economy has underscored differing opinions on key issues. In this month’s column, I present benchmarks I use in decision-making:

• Is the decision balanced and reasonable?
• Does the decision require or advance county government accountability?
• Will the decision enhance our community and leave a lasting legacy?

   To explain, I feel balance comes as a result of open dialogue among diverse perspectives and that government accountability develops out of continuous cycles of improvement, fiscal restraint and two-way communication. I endeavor to encourage legacy making through innovative approaches and strategic improvements that promise to produce value in our community beyond our years.

To illustrate, I offer examples of each:

Balance: The Gorst Creek Estuary Restoration Program meticulously interweaves economic and environmental objectives, resulting in a win/win for everyone. This project‘s duel focus on both economic needs and environmental restoration led state and federal agencies to award more than $2 million for the project. As 2004 unfolds, those passing through Gorst will witness the reclamation of contaminated industrial remnants of days gone by and the restoration of its approximately 25-acre shoreline.

Accountability: I recall the difficult choices and compromises made to balance the 2003-2004 budget. By reducing staff and making cuts early, Kitsap County adapted to citizen-backed initiatives in a way that infused the county with opportunities to be resourceful and become more efficient in service delivery. County employees rose to our challenge, spending even less than appropriated for salaries and supplies in the slashed budget.

Kitsap County has also become more accessible through enhanced services, like the Land Information System – a proprietary Web-based technology developed through a public/private partnership. This system not only provides citizen quicker and more convenient access to property records, it is also being marketed to non-local government agencies to recover the costs of its development.

No definition of accountability is complete without significant efforts being made to understand the needs of those being served. County officials now have access to new tools to better understand and interpret public intent and, as a result, have ultimately become more accountable. One example is our new citizen survey (see results at www.kitsapgov.com).
   Legacy: Of all decisions public officials make, advocating for legacy can sometimes appear to be an unnecessary burden on today’s citizen. Only by examining the benefits to our future generations do we appreciate the need for legacy projects. Desirable environmental and economic projects assure that our grandchildren will have the option to live and work in a setting similar to the exceptional surroundings we now enjoy and will support their families through good paying jobs.

Another legacy is the skillful leverage of funds (restricted to use in land acquisition) to secure state and federal grants for the acquisition of heritage lands that preserve Kitsap’s unique and positive qualities. Additionally, the development of the new broadband network assures new opportunities for the Kitsap workforce.

These cornerstones, balance, accountability, and legacy, serve to engage us in meaningful pursuits and inspired projects, moving Kitsap County forward while maintaining the community standards we continue to enjoy. Your ideas are a significant component in shaping our future. Please bring your ideas, as we ask and answer tough questions about land use and the allocation of funds for county priorities.

Together, we sow the seeds future generations will harvest.