Hello Islanders!
My name is Rick Hughes, and I'm running for San Juan County Council, District # 2. I'm asking for your support because our county is at a crossroads and I believe depth of experience, sustainable solutions, stronger relationship-building and collaboration are more necessary than ever. It’s time to focus on localization of solutions, attention to the needs of our working families, seniors, affordable housing options, responsible climate work, and improved services from San Juan County.
I look forward to the opportunity to serve all of the Islands in San Juan County.
Community Moving Forward
Increase Accessible, Sustainable, Workforce Housing
Increasing accessible workforce housing is critical for economic stability in our community. It ensures that employees can afford to live here in order to keep our business running throughout the year. Accessible housing supports local economies by allowing workers to spend more locally, and it promotes diversity and inclusivity within communities. There is no single solution to the housing issue, but we need to work in balance as a community, to continue building equitable, accessible housing; that is sustainable, obtainable and has the least impact on the environment.
Inspired by long-standing organizations like the Land Bank, Friends of the San Juans, Sea Doc, the Land Trust, and the San Juan Preservation Trust, I am committed to being a better-informed advocate for the environment. I pledge to follow the 2020 San Juan County Climate Pledge Resolution that I helped draft and pass. And work hard with the many different groups in the community to protect the environment.
I support the Land Bank and will work hard to renew the San Juan County Conservation Land Bank in November of 2024!
photo credit Erin Bennett
Protect & Preserve
The Bioregion
Balancing sustainable growth in San Juan County is vital to preserve its unique environmental and community characteristics. Sustainable growth strategies can help manage resources wisely, reduce environmental impact, and maintain the quality of life for residents and visitors alike, ensuring that San Juan County remains a cherished place to live, work, and visit.
Balance and
Sustainable Growth
Building a resilient and varied economy is crucial for ensuring long-term stability because it reduces dependence on a single industry. This approach helps sustain economic growth, supports community resilience against external shocks, and enhances the overall quality of life for residents by providing stability and prosperity. Develop and support a diverse economy that doesn’t rely solely on tourism.
My plan is to support working families, improve family wage jobs, make interaction with the county easier, help expand access to broadband, support agriculture, train our workforce and provide job opportunities for our young islanders.
Build A Resilient & Varied Economy For Long-Term Growth
A transparent and collaborative local government is essential for fostering trust between citizens and their leaders. It ensures that government actions and decisions are open to scrutiny, accountability, and public confidence. Such an approach empowers citizens, encourages civic engagement, and strengthens democracy by making government more responsive and effective in meeting the needs of its constituents.
I pledge to work with all islanders to find solutions that solve county wide problems or island specific issues. If you have a question, ask and I will do my best to spend time with you understanding and acting on your issues.
I want to give voice to all in the community, especially those underserved and unheard.
Transparent & Collaborative Governance
San Juan County residents and visitors deserve a better ferry system with reliable and consistent ferry service.
I have been working on ferry issues for almost 15 years and have made connections regionally, with legislators in Olympia and our partners at the federal level that will help improve level of service in San Juan County.
I promise to spend time in Olympia and In Washington D.C. to lobby for funding and support for WSF. We will improve ferry service.
I will ask San Juan County Council to create a County Ferry District that will allow San Juan County to test passenger-only ferry service.
San Juan County will continue working with Skagit, Island, Whatcom, and Snohomish Counties for interconnecting transportation options that will connect our communities without vehicles.
Working together we will make ferries better as a community!
