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Public comments at commissioners meeting raise North Shore access, industrial project concerns and allegations about official oaths
Summary
During public comment, residents described a downed live wire affecting North Shore access, raised environmental and safety concerns about a proposed industrial project near farms, criticized meeting scheduling and public comment availability, and a resident delivered a packet alleging misuse of public funds related to judges' oaths.
Several members of the public spoke during the April 15 open‑comment period to raise local safety and process concerns.
Lorena Humble (Lake Cavanaugh resident) described a recent treefall that brought down a live power line across South Shore, leaving a dangling live wire that temporarily blocked the only entry and exit for part of the lake community. She said utility crews ultimately repaired the line, and she reiterated an earlier request that the county find funding to restore the North Shore route to ensure reliable access for residents and service vehicles, including utility contractors.
Ingrid Hinton raised environmental and safety concerns about a proposed industrial project she said is sited near Viva Organic Farms and close to the Skagit River. Hinton cited Moss Landing as an example she does not want repeated locally and urged commissioners to oppose permitting or to ensure preventive protections for emergency services and environmental safeguards.
Resident Rebecca Peck criticized the county’s handling and public notice of the Tuesday 11:30 a.m. public comment slot, providing a calendar she said showed frequent cancellations or schedule changes in 2023–2024 and urging clearer, earlier notice when session times change. She said the county website still lists the regular Tuesday time and recommended better advance notice when meetings are rescheduled.
Cody Hart delivered a packet to the commissioners and said he had issued a notice alleging misuse or loss of public funds tied to contracts with the Skagit County Superior Court. He asserted that several judges had failed to file required oaths of office with the secretary of state and the county auditor after the 2024 election and requested tax funds be reinstated. County leadership noted Mr. Hart has filed multiple legal actions in the past and said the packet would be forwarded to the county prosecutor’s office for review.
No formal board action directly followed these public comments during the meeting. Commissioners acknowledged the remarks, thanked speakers and noted some items would be taken up by staff or referred to appropriate offices for follow‑up.
