Central Kitsap News
Coffee with the Commissioner
The Silverdale Chamber of Commerce hosted “Coffee with the Commissioner” last month. I reported on the state of the County including new Central Kitsap housing developments, the County's homelessness encampment action plan, and Kitsap Transit's Silverdale Transit Center that is currently being constructed. Thank you to McCloud's in Bremerton and the Silverdale Chamber for putting on this informative event.
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Central Kitsap Community Council hosts Representative Derek Kilmer June 3
The Central Kitsap Community Council is excited to host U.S. Representative Derek Kilmer from 2 to 3:30 Friday, June 3 at a special event that will be held both in person at the new Silverdale Library, 3650 NW Anderson Hill Road, and virtually via Zoom.
This will be the Council’s first in-person meeting since March 2020. Representative Kilmer will discuss topics including housing, education support, federal funding for mental health, and infrastructure.
The agenda and Zoom link to join the meeting virtually is available on the council's website,
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 Silverdale Transit Center groundbreaking
As this year’s chair of the Kitsap Transit Board, I was delighted to participate in the groundbreaking of the new Silverdale Transit Center across Ridgetop Boulevard from St. Michael Medical Center, along with other local elected officials and Gov. Jay Inslee. When complete, it will be the first transit system in Western Washington to have a wireless charging capability for electric buses. In addition, the center will feature rider shelters, stormwater management facilities, ADA accessible site improvements, sidewalks, bike lanes, bike storage and a bus driver comfort station. Thank you to Kitsap Transit for all their hard work in designing and securing the funding for this essential project.
Earth Day Awards - Amy Lawrence
Central Kitsap Community Council member and professor, Amy Lawrence is a recipient of a Kitsap County Earth Day Award. Amy serves as chairperson for Chico Salmon Park and Erlands Point Preserve, where she leads efforts to restore ecosystems through invasive species removal, native planting, streambank stabilization, and water quality monitoring. She organized and led 30 work parties in 2021!
In addition to her restoration work, Amy leads the annual Kitsap Salmon Tours. As lead, Amy serves as a Salmon Docent to help over 600 visitors view and learn about salmon. She also chairs the Olympic College Sustainability Advisory Council. On the board of the Keta Legacy Foundation, she oversees a student intern program that gathers forest and stream data to support the management of the Rhododendron Preserve in Central Kitsap. Thank you Amy for all you do for the environment, Central Kitsap, and our community.
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Military Appreciation Day!
On March 5, I enjoyed Military Appreciation Day, after a two year hiatus, at the Kitsap County Fairgrounds. I was joined by U.S. Representative Derek Kilmer and fellow Kitsap County Commissioner Rob Gelder. The event included a carnival and information fair designed to show appreciation to the men and women of our military and their families. Thank you to all our military and their families for what you do everyday! Especially, thank you to the Silverdale Chamber of Commerce for organizing the event and to the many sponsors and local businesses for helping to make the event a success.
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Pendleton Place opening
I joined other local leaders to tour Pendleton Place, Kitsap County’s first permanent supportive housing facility for residents who are chronically homeless with severe mental illness, addictions, and long-lasting health conditions. The new residents began moving into the newly constructed facility in May, filling a mix of one-bedroom and studio apartments. In addition to living space, Pendleton Place will be staffed 24/7 with case managers who can support residents struggling with mental health or substance abuse disorders. I’m proud of the many community partnerships that made this possible. For a full list of community sponsors, click here.
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Kitsap Moves
Kitsap Public Health Board declares May "Kitsap Moves Month" to support physical and mental well-being. On May 3, the Kitsap Public Health Board adopted a resolution spotlighting the importance of physical activity for youth and adults, and declaring May 2022 as "Kitsap Moves Month." My wife and I enjoy kayaking and hiking throughout the County. Whatever you enjoy doing the most, please get moving!
Organizations throughout Kitsap County are partnering with the Kitsap Moves campaign to offer events promoting healthy movement. For example:
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Arc of the Peninsula ramp gift
The Arc of the Peninsulas provides services locally to tens of thousands of individuals with developmental disabilities and their families within our community and throughout the Olympic Peninsula. Commissioner Gelder and I presented from Kitsap County to this special organization two mobile ramps to help assist those who have physical limitations. Thanks to the Accessible Communities Advisory Committee who were able to obtain a grant to fund these vital resources. Please visit the Arc of the Peninsulas in Kitsap's website to learn more about their programs and services. Learn more about the Accessible Communities Advisory Committee here.
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Community feedback sought for proposed stormwater park in Silverdale
Kitsap County is exploring the feasibility of transforming a vacant lot in Silverdale into a powerful stormwater park that would treat over 70 acres of stormwater runoff before it reaches Dyes Inlet.
Located on the corner of NW Bucklin Hill Road and Tracyton Boulevard, the proposed stormwater park would treat stormwater before discharging it to an existing system and outfall to Dyes Inlet. In addition to providing environmental benefits, the park could include pedestrian paths, educational elements, or open landscaped green space. Your feedback will help inform our design team on what features are important to the community. The survey is open until June 14.
This summer, Kitsap County will provide additional opportunities for the public to review, provide feedback on initial design concepts and remain involved throughout the final design process.
Kitsap County Health Board seeks applicants for nonelected positions
The Kitsap County Health Board is seeking applicants to fill three nonelected community representative positions this year, as the Board expands to meet the provisions of a recently enacted state law. This is an excellent opportunity to share your passion about public health while serving the Kitsap Community.
The Health Board addresses issues affecting the health of all people in Kitsap County and serves as the governing body for the Kitsap Public Health District. Legislation signed into law last year requires the Kitsap Public Health Board and other county health districts in the state to expand from seven to 10 members. Three nonelected community representatives and two nonelected tribal representatives will serve alongside five local elected officials.
The Health Board is now accepting applications for the three nonelected community representative positions, which will be appointed by the Kitsap Board of County Commissioners this summer. Click here for more information.
We also have vacancies on our Kitsap County advisory groups. Learn more and apply here.
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COVID-19 response
Vaccine volunteer recognition event
I joined with leaders from Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, Peninsula Community Health Services (PCHS), and the Kitsap County Emergency Operations Center to honor the volunteers and community partners who have supported COVID-19 vaccination in Kitsap County. These integrated public/private partnerships brought our entire community together for the benefit of the entire County.
More than 590 Medical Reserve Corps volunteers dedicated an astounding 20,000 hours to vaccine clinics, helping to save lives, prevent countless illnesses, and keep businesses, schools, and services open.
More than 211,000 Kitsap residents (78% of our population) have received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine, a collective achievement that would not have been possible without the selfless service of volunteers. Thank you to everyone who has supported this effort!
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Vaccinations & testing
The Kitsap Public Health website remains a great resource for information on COVID-19 vaccines. A vaccine clinic calendar will help find upcoming vaccine opportunities and other providers at kcowa.us/vaccine. Remember, vaccination is free and insurance is not required.
Information on where to obtain at-home COVID test kits and test sites is available at kcowa.us/covidtesting.
And lastly, a mixed emotional report to you. After eight years (two terms), I've decided not to run for re-election and will finish out this term through the end of 2022.
My decision is bittersweet. My wife, Wendy, and I have decided that two terms is long enough, and we have pushed the 'reset/refresh' button on our lives. Looking back over these last two terms, I believe I have accomplished my intended mission to provide a balanced perspective and fiscally conservative voice on our Board of County Commissioners.
We look forward to spending more time with our new grandson, son and daughter-in-law and, more outdoor adventures. Thank you all for supporting me and giving me the privilege to serve our community.
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