Soundings (3/30/10)

Bucks in the Bay

Tonja Thanks Tim and Marsha McEvoy for the wonderful Rotario dinner, and she enjoyed the SJH art show last week;

Barry had a vacation in Carefree, Arizona, and visited Zion National Park;

Rod was also in Arizona, and he and his partners are now venturing into the personal insurance lines;

Chuck Walter for skiing and also trip to Phoenix;

Harte had $60 to our Foundation for a birthday;

Lynn $ to the foundation: Sold a car, bought a car, Ferndale B&G club almost done opening June 16 or so, AND lost his 35th pound!

Sergeant at Arms by Zachary Jones
Congrats to Lynn on successful fundraising for the Ferndale club, fines for lack of pins, Barry for the vacation time, Zach had a kidney stone last weekend, this day in history trivia:  Seward's Folly, Reagan was shot (1981), Jeopardy (1964), then ridiculously difficult basketball final four trivia, then baseball trivia.

Program
Anna introduced Harry Robinson, who serves on the Blaine City Council.  Blaine talked about Blaine's history and current issues there.  Harry is 70, a grandfather, born in Winnipeg, and he worked in insurance industry for 40 years in Canada and the U.S.  He ended up in Blaine.

Blaine had more population in 1800's than today.  Fishing was big in the 20th century, but has since waned as an industry.  The current stagnant economy has not helped the situation there.  Historically, Blaine has had a reputation as a place for Canadians to buy cheap eggs, milk and gas, and for lousy politics.  Although the City did do good to establish a rainy day fund, because of the down economy the money will soon run out and there will probably be tough budget times ahead. 

• Blaine's advantages are: the marina/harbor, Semiahmoo, outstanding schools, land for development in the City, good mix of housing, proximity to the border. 
• Disadvantages:  a border town with it's crime problems, lack of good paying jobs, many temporary inhabitants (seasonal), lack of entertainment and recreational venues (restaurants and shops). 

What can Blaine do?  Local developer Ken Imus has bought a good amount of downtown properties, currently remodeling an older building, and the hope is he will initiate a revitalization and attract other investors and developers.  Also, the City is working with the Port of Bellingham to upgrade and expand the Blaine marina.  Need a good in-town hotel.  The small local airport was recently closed and the land is now available for development.  Two new roundabouts are being built by WSDOT as part of the border work.

Blaine has instituted a moratorium on all building fees in order to encourage development.  Also Harry told the story about the building of the wastewater treatment plant.

Respectfully submitted,
Stowe Talbot