I am saddened to hear of conflict within the Jefferson County Fair Board and the resignation of board members and fair manager Danny McEnerney who was breathing new life into fairground possibilities. 

From my experience as the past president of a local organization, I agree with McEnerney that it is difficult to get anything done without a shared vision and also that it is possible to put on events that are not money-makers, like Magic of Christmas, that in the long run generate more money from donors than events that pay for themselves. Sometimes a lot more money. 

Jefferson County has many well-to-do citizens but also a large population of people who are just scraping by. It is very important to me that my town offers a wide variety of inexpensive and free events so that people of all income levels can enjoy a rich cultural life, especially young folks and children. In my experience, by creating something of value to the community those efforts will be noticed and people will want to donate to support it. 

That said, I do not know the specifics of what has created such discord at our fairgrounds and can only hope that those involved ask questions and listen to answers before passing judgment on each other.

Marla Streator
PORT TOWNSEND