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To the Officials, Committee and the Board of Jefferson County,
My name is Mike Meeker, I am writing this letter u, u "on.".ned and mindful citizen of North Kitsap and
also a local Business here in Poulsbo, Northern Asphalt. We have worked closely with Statesman Group
before to improve The Pleasant Harbor Marina.
The Upper Peninsula is known for its beautiful and scenic topography. I can tell you that I am impressed
with Statesman Group and know that they are very mindful with their intent to improve our area even
more with bringing tourism to an even higher rise. With a Destination like Pleasant Harbor Marina and
Recreation Community, helping the local businesses strive and flourish and also giving the community
employment. This addition and the improvements will guarantee the success of the small towns
surrounding this beautiful little ocean front community.
A Passage from your Website: "Background and History
From the shores of the Pacific Ocean to the tranquil waters of Puget Sound and Hood
Canal, the area now referred to as Jefferson County has been an inspiration to the
generations who have called it home. The stories and legends of native tribes who inhabited
the area speak eloquently of the spirit of this land; and the journals of the early explorers
are replete with descriptions of the awesome beauty and bountiful natural resources found
here.
First explored by Spaniards in L775, it was several decades after Capt. George Vancouver's
extensive exploration of the inland waters of Puget Sound and the Strait of Juan De Fuca in
1792 that settlers began to arrive. Coming by land and by sea, these early settlers found
refuge in the harbors and bays that today bear the names of Discovery Bay, Port Townsend,
Port Hadlock, and Port Ludlow. Soon shipbuilding, logging, sawmills, farming and canneries
became the mainstay of the economy. The harbors were filled with sailing vessels
representing nearly every maritime nation in the world. The more adventurous settlers
moved farther out from population centers. Many of the rural communities of Jefferson
County, such as Nordland, Brinnon, Gardiner and Discovery Bay, have their names and roots
tied to these early settlers.
This is a powerful insight to remembering our Fore Fathers and what was developed here. As a board I
am asking you to consider what this will give to this community for miles around. Times are tough for
families and smaller businesses, with a new election this year I know everyone is fearful of the times
ahead. With Statesman Group it gives us all a piece of mind that Brinnon is the chosen destination to
improve with and creating jobs and Employment for many citizens that struggle with commuting over the
Hood Canal Bridge.
Tourism to the Pacific Northwest is part of our security that we have a solid future since Logging
is down and it is an economically depressed area. Statesman Group is mindful of the Tribal
nation and helping become neighbors in offering a peaceful, solution to many issues that we have
by simply helping. .. Improve.
Passage two from your website:
Jefferson County's economic history reflects the enthusiasm and disappointment of the
events of the day. The excitement of positioning itself to be the terminus of the
transcontinental railroad in the 1870's became an economic disaster when the railroad
stopped on the eastern shores of Puget Sound. Then, after the economy was buoyed by the
military build-up of World War I and II, the post-war decommissioning of coastal defense
system at Forts Worden, Townsend, and Flagler dismantled dreams of a strong economic
base. While many people chose to leave this area to pursue a more stable economic future,
some remained. Their love for the area and its resources and their commitment to the
community overcame the unknowns presented by a changing world.
Passage three from your website:
The Comprehensive Plan and its promise:
The Comprehensive Plan as presented herein has been eight years in the making.
Discussed, debated, revisited and revised, it represents the time and energ:F of hundreds of
citizens contributing thousands of hours. It also represents a fundamental restructuring of
the delivery of community services by prioritizing public expenditures to areas designated
to accommodate new population growth, and requiring the coordination of seruices to
maintain stated service levels.
While the Plan will impact the future delivery of services, its purposes go well beyond how
public funds are to be spent and services delivered. The Plan, in a very real sense, is a
statement about Jefferson County as a community, and how it will be in the future as a
place to work and play, to raise a family or retire, to get an education or start a business.
To this end, the Plan represents a statement of basic principles.
Based on your website, and what I know and what I believe as well as many other locals and
businesses, I ask you to help us as a community and encourage you to allow Statesman Group to
Invest in our future and the future of our kids to remain here with revamp improvements of
Pleasant Harbor Marina. Statesman Group is NOT taking away from our community. It is about
giving back.
Sincerely appreciate your time and consideration,
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