Update: Proposition 1 did not pass but preserving our farmland is still a strong focus of the community. We will work to get it on the ballot again next year.
Another proposal the winery is personally spearheading is a microclimate study of the North Olympic Peninsula. We’re in the process of fund raising. This study will identify property/micro-climates that will sustain cool weather varietal grapes. Grapes are more than a high value crop. We have a thriving wine industry that could make a portion of their wine from local grapes to pair with the Olympic Coast Cuisine produced in our great local restaurants. Economically, grapes not only supports agriculture and preserves farmland, vineyards adds to an already world class landscape for tourists. More on this at it evolves, Kathy
When Does Voting Become Personal & Important Enough
For You To “Just Do It”?
Personally, I’ve never gotten involved in a cause... until now.
Maybe it was because I grew up in large cities where you really felt the insignificance of one vote. Maybe I thought I was too busy, too tired or just plain apathetic about the issues. Whatever, I didn’t get involved.
Then I moved to Clallam County.
I’m a relative newcomer and moved here for many of the same reasons as you -- quality of life --to get away from the frantic pace and congestion of the city. Becoming part of this community has been life changing for me in so many ways.
Many of you know me and the other “Working Women” of Olympic Cellars. Molly has lived in this community 20 years and Libby 3 years. Molly has shared her community and friends, giving us insight and a first hand knowledge of the importance of “the land” and our agricultural roots… farming and small business owners are equally part of the American Dream.
For us, it is about achieving balance and responsible development. We currently feel that our world, our country, our weather and our future are spiraling out of balance. Unchecked growth, pollution and global warming continue to erode a sustainable way of life. While right now we can’t affect massive national change, we can impact the future of Clallam County -- for our family’s, our children’s and our grandchildren’s future.
Losing this agricultural heritage would be a tragedy. Locally grown food and seeds are a treasure. Sharing the beauty and bounty of where we live is a joy and an economic benefit to our community.
While Libby, Molly and I had read information regarding the Buyer’s Excise Tax (B.E.T. Proposition 1) we still had questions. So we hosted a public meeting of the Clallam Citizens for Food Safety on October 5.
After careful evaluation, we now whole-heartedly support the B.E.T. and feel it is one of the most important issues facing our community.
But there’s a problem.
Not everyone can attend meetings like the one we hosted. And there aren’t nearly enough people to get information in voter’s hands so they can make informed decisions.
That’s why we volunteered to help, and feel the grassroots power of personally going door-to-door can significantly impact the outcome of the Buyer’s Excise Tax.
What You Can Do...
1. When you get a knock on your door and receive a zip-locked bag with B.E.T. info (Myths vs. Facts) along with a “real” carrot, please don’t throw it in the trash. Take time to read it and call if you have questions. Then mail in your ballot that will be mailed to your house on Oct 19.
2. Armed with the facts about the B.E.T. (Proposition 1), we are also asking you to reach out and talk with your neighbors and friends. Be sure and pass another carrot along!
This is your community. Apathy means giving away your American Dream -- the right to vote!
Don’t let that happen. Join us now to preserve our future. At our community level, each of our votes CAN make a difference.
Kathy Charlton
Molly Rivard
Libby Sweetser
