Council members voice approval of chamber project

After getting a briefing on the Anacortes Futures Project by Mark Bunzel, one of the project proponents, all City Council members seemed to endorse it.

Bunzel painted an optimistic picture of Anacortes if the report’s recommendations are followed. The 100 page report recommends establishing a blue-ribbon task force to define and implement a new master plan to help city officials develop a long-range strategic plan.

Council member Cynthia Richardson said “Anacortes is a pretty nice place because different people had different ideas. I see an opportunity to take a positive step to oversee our fate.”

The Mayor suggested that the Futures Project team needs to update much of the material the report is based on, primarily because of changes in the economic climate in the past 2 years. “I think it would be mportant to do that,” he said. Bunel said an update is being contemplated.

Council member Brian Geer liked the recommendation and asked if the blue ribbon task force would include a City Council member. Brunel said the task force is still considering the makeup of the panel.

Support came from Council member Nick Petrish, who said “I like that you took and independent and neutral view. You didn’t push one idea over another. We have to look at this as a 50-year ahead look.”

Council member Bill Turner said he has been concerned about the city’s economic future form some time, “particularly now that the economy has changed.”

“Anacortes is a challenging place in that we have boundaries. The choices we make are going to stick with us for years,” said Council member Brad Adams.

Kevin McKeown, who represents the west end of the city said “What you ahve done is provide a blueprint for the future. The study lays an an optimistic future for the city.”

The Anacortes Futures Project is available on the Chamber’s Web site, anacortes.org.