Justin Paulsen sheds light on what San Juan County might ask for in a Governor’s executive order – Is worried about curbed service’s impact on County Fair

A CNL2 VIDEO IS AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS PAGE

This CNL2 interview was recorded a week ago. CNL2 chose not to publish this interview until San Juan County Council chair Jane Fuller felt it would not get in the way of her attempts to negotiate with the Governor’s Office.

This is a fast-changing situation, and new and evolved details will likely emerge in the coming week.

This is a conversation with Justin Paulsen, who has two unique perspectives. He is chair of the Washington State Ferries Ferry Advisory Committee, often called the FAC. He is also one of five leaders of Orcas Island-based Community Water Taxi. Due to his insights as FAC Chair and CWT leader, Fuller sought input from Paulsen in forming the asks of the Governor.

Paulsen said the current situation is a threat to the health and safety needs of the San Juans.

During this interview CNL2 tried NOT to break news that might upstage or undercut Fuller’s discussions with the Governor’s Office.

That said, we asked Paulsen — in broad strokes — what is shaping up to be “The Ask” of the Governor. Paulsen confirmed at least two big asks — as of a week ago — include state financial assistance in expanding privately run inter-island passenger water taxi service, plus expansion of small barge services that could move delivery trucks and utility trucks between the islands and Anacortes when WSF inter-island service is canceled, or when service reductions are so deep that vital service trucks are wasting hours of ferry parking lots.

This CNL2 video is approximately 41-1/2 minutes in duration.