La Conner Weekly News - Your independent hometown award-winning newspaper

In my 16th and final year as mayor, I would like to thank the La Conner community for the opportunity to serve as your representative.

Although our resources are limited, La Conner has been fortunate to attract and retain staff who are dedicated to the community and whose work ethic, in many cases, far exceeds a 40-hour work week. La Conner is also blessed with a plethora of volunteers who participate in everything from our town council, planning commission, arts and parks commissions and, with 23 active volunteers, our fire department. Its natural, over time, to take many of the services we enjoy for granted, but the value our volunteers bring to the community cannot be overstated.

In 2022, the town was elated to see the completion of the La Conner Swinomish Regional Library. I have always said, as was the case with the boardwalk, the best projects are those you cannot achieve on your own. Without the moral and financial support of the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community, a tremendous amount of private money donations and the work of the many volunteers over the years, the library project would not have been realized. The town was pleased to partner with the library and its foundation to assist in securing close to $2.5 million toward the construction effort.

Also in 2022, the community invested in a parcel of land which was mostly donated by a long standing and very generous La Conner family. The town paid $60,000, a third of the assessed value. This property, approximately half an acre, is located immediately adjacent and west of the Channel Cove neighborhood. The town’s decision to pursue the property was inspired by a significant citizens' call for more real affordable housing options and in anticipation of the state likely requiring communities to create additional affordable options within their boundaries. That said, the ultimate use of the property will be a community discussion.

Financially, the town is sound. Equally important, over the past 15 years the town has received a clean bill of health from the state auditor’s office, having received no findings. We are grateful to be in a strong financial position, but we are also cognizant that future required infrastructure projects will put a strain on any reserves. Without the acquisition of grants, and assistance from the state and federal governments, we will not be able to achieve the required upgrades to our water lines and wastewater treatment plant.

In addition to these vital projects, the community must tackle the need for protection from rising flood waters. The town was very sorry to learn of any damage sustained by citizens as a result of recent tidal flooding. Our threat is twofold, both from a possible breach of a river dike and flooding from the channel. We need a comprehensive strategy to address both issues at the same time. Solving one, without accounting for the other, could hurt more than help.

Finally, the town wants to hear from its citizens. If you have any questions regarding town issues, please reach out directly and we will be happy to provide you with accurate information.

Hayes was first elected mayor in 2007 and reelected three times.