This column is part of a series detailing San Juan County’s recent news. Follow along each month to learn about important County projects, Council initiatives, department updates, and more.
Search for New County Manager Enters Public Participation Phase in Early May
The County Manager job posting yielded 39 applicants from around the country that have been screened and vetted via a variety of steps including resume reviews, video interviews, and written responses. San Juan County is moving forward in its interview process for a new County Manager which will culminate with a community meeting in each district on May 6 and 7.
During these community meetings, the public will have the opportunity to meet and learn about the candidates via a moderated Q&A. The exact times and locations of community meetings are still being finalized and the public will be notified of further details as soon as possible.
The final round of interviews will be conducted by panels comprised of Council members and other elected officials, County staff, and board members from various County committees. The County Council is the ultimate hiring body for the County Manager position.
2024 Candidate Filing Week Approaches
If you have ever wanted to be an elected official, now is your chance! Candidate filing for positions open for election in 2024 is about to begin.
During filing week, candidates may submit their filings online, by email, by fax, or in person at the San Juan County Elections Office at 55 Second Street, Suite A, Friday Harbor. Online candidate filing will be available Monday, May 6, at 8 am through Friday, May 10, at 5 pm.
San Juan County Health Officer Announces Departure After More Than 30 Years of Service
Dr. Frank James, Health Officer of San Juan County, announced his resignation after 31 years of service to San Juan County at the March Board of Health meeting. Not only has Dr. James served as the County Health Officer, but he is also a recognized regional public health leader working with the Lummi and Nooksack Tribes, University of Washington in their School of Public Health, as Island Primary Care Orcas Clinic’s Medical Director, and trusted health advocate.
San Juan County Appoints Acting Health Officer While Search Begins
San Juan County Council appointed Dr. Herbie Duber as the County’s new acting Health Officer. Dr. Duber is the Washington State Department of Health Regional Medical Officer for Northwest Washington. In this role, he supports the development of healthcare policy and programs across the state and serves as a key liaison between local public health in Northwest WA and the Department of Health. Dr. Duber will serve as the acting Health Officer as the County recruits a permanent replacement.
San Juan County’s Annual Hazardous Waste Round-ups this Spring
San Juan County is gearing up for its annual hazardous waste round-up collection events, providing our community with a crucial opportunity to safely and legally dispose of poisonous, flammable, corrosive, or other hazardous chemicals.
Household collection events will be held from 10:00am to 2:00pm at the solid waste facilities on San Juan (May 4), Lopez (May 11), and Orcas Islands (June 1). An event will also be hosted on Decatur Island on June 15, with the location and time to be announced at a later date.
Learn more about the County’s recent news by visiting: sanjuancountywa.gov/1930/San-Juan-County-Newsroom
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