Started by Karlena Pickering (Lopez Village Properties, LLC)
Oct 26, 2025
Oct 26, 2025
23
Why I am Voting No on the REC
Oct 26, 2025
Why I am Voting NO on the Rec District
1. We have bigger issues to address right now. Least of which is the shutdown of SNAP, EBT, etc. There is no excuse for anyone on this island to go hungry. However, I do not consider a box of “food club” mac and cheese to be “food” …. Ok, I ate lots of that in college, as well as Top Ramen, but for families in need, that is NOT food. So why not put this community effort into trying to find a solution to this immediate need? Seriously? School athletics take precedence over substance for families?
2.The Martha’s Vineyard Argument: Oh haaaay guys! That is exactly what is being set up. I spent a solid two weeks last year doing CMAs for people whose property taxes were over the top. In some cases I could not help, but in many others I did. People literally being taxed out of their homes. And sooo, here it comes and there it goes. Trying to save the Pickering Farm for the 4th generation of Pickerings. This keeps up, it might be a problem. I am not going to work until I die to pay stupid taxes (there, I said it).
3.The Clinic: Ask me how I know we are losing the older population because of ferry issues and health care. The Clinic gets TOP priority on my list of tax proposals. I am lucky, so far. I have not had to use it. But I want it to be there if I need to! Do I really need to be flown off for a UTI (don’t get me started on the health insurance thing, that is for another day) …. Because if I cannot drive myself on the ferry and over to Anacortes or Friday Harbor. What? Seriously, WHAT happens next??
And so those are all the reasons I am voting NO. And I’d just like to add, that we will not, as some have implied, that we will lose the school if we vote no.
Sincerely,
Karlena Pickering
1. We have bigger issues to address right now. Least of which is the shutdown of SNAP, EBT, etc. There is no excuse for anyone on this island to go hungry. However, I do not consider a box of “food club” mac and cheese to be “food” …. Ok, I ate lots of that in college, as well as Top Ramen, but for families in need, that is NOT food. So why not put this community effort into trying to find a solution to this immediate need? Seriously? School athletics take precedence over substance for families?
2.The Martha’s Vineyard Argument: Oh haaaay guys! That is exactly what is being set up. I spent a solid two weeks last year doing CMAs for people whose property taxes were over the top. In some cases I could not help, but in many others I did. People literally being taxed out of their homes. And sooo, here it comes and there it goes. Trying to save the Pickering Farm for the 4th generation of Pickerings. This keeps up, it might be a problem. I am not going to work until I die to pay stupid taxes (there, I said it).
3.The Clinic: Ask me how I know we are losing the older population because of ferry issues and health care. The Clinic gets TOP priority on my list of tax proposals. I am lucky, so far. I have not had to use it. But I want it to be there if I need to! Do I really need to be flown off for a UTI (don’t get me started on the health insurance thing, that is for another day) …. Because if I cannot drive myself on the ferry and over to Anacortes or Friday Harbor. What? Seriously, WHAT happens next??
And so those are all the reasons I am voting NO. And I’d just like to add, that we will not, as some have implied, that we will lose the school if we vote no.
Sincerely,
Karlena Pickering
Comment by Kim Nichols
Oct 28, 2025
Oct 28, 2025
3
1. There are local food sources which have been in operation for several years now. . .Grow a Row, Lopez Foodshare. I’ve seen the bags of free groceries which are distributed and it’s impressive. I understand there are times when there’s so much abundance they have a hard time giving it away!
2.At least you have generationa ... Read All
2.At least you have generationa ... Read All