His Honor, Mayor Ken Hearing, certainly has my vote of confidence. He is a very straightforward honorable man working diligently for the benefit of all the citizens of North Bend. His obligations to meet the needs of the city extend far beyond the health, welfare and safety of all residents and business owners but to the implementation of all the land use and zoning regulations, and the protection and operation of all the city’s infrastructure, which includes the major issue of water servicing.

He and his staff are working diligently to maintain our current source at the Mt. Si Spring and procuring an additional well site for future needs and in the event disaster strikes the Mt. Si source. Water has been a long-term issue for all residents of the State of Washington since 1921 when all waters of the state were declared a public resource. Over time volumes of laws and regulations have been adopted by the state with the responsibility now with the Department of Ecology. They are so involved with a preponderance of environmental issues they have delayed processing the city’s well permit for several years. Mayor Hearing and his staff are working diligently on this process.

The City of North Bend was issued the Mt. Si spring permit in 1965. The annual consumption was based on a population of 2000 by the year 1980 utilizing 150 gallons per person per day. No consideration was given for any population growth beyond 1980. Growth did not stop on this date as the city is now approaching a population level of 3000. The mayor and his staff are developing different scenarios to offset this current so-called over consumption. Have no fear as the Mt. Si source not only provides all our water needs but spills most of its flow into the Middle Fork. Our only fear is obtaining rights to another source in the event we lose the current source. A past administration had the foresight to connect to the Sallal Water Service District for added insurance.

I as well as many other dedicated citizens have served on various city commissions and the city council throughout many city administrations. We gave our time and efforts diligently and enthusiastically just as Mayor Hearing and his staff are doing. Our efforts were rewarded many times based on current zoning and land use plans. I ask that all citizens support the activities of his administration. Mayor Hearing is very worthy of our support and I hope he runs for re-election many more times. I think we all agree that continuity with honor and integrity are the best solutions to many of our city’s growing problems. What problems? Just opportunities. Stay positive.

Obe M. Healea, Jr

North Bend