Town officials have been told to take a hike.
In a good way.
Longtime resident and former planning commissioner Linda Talman on Tuesday invited Mayor Marna Hanneman and Town Council members to join her on a walk through La Conner to survey sidewalks and pedestrian paths.
During Tuesday night’s Town Council meeting, Talman related her recent experience delivering copies of the inaugural print edition of the La Conner Community News to households along Maple Avenue.
“What I found was how hard it was to walk on that (east) side of the street. There was a sidewalk in some places, but not in others. The grass was soggy, and it was difficult to walk.”
Talman, who delivered newspapers between Maple Avenue Park and Caledonia Street, suggested the Town apply for grant funding to increase pedestrian options here.
“There are grants for non-motorized transportation out there that the Town has passed on,” she said, “so I invite you to walk with me.”
Later in the meeting, the council approved agreements with David Evans & Associates and EE Contracting to advance the ongoing pedestrian improvement project on Washington and Road streets.
During the council meeting, the mayor also highlighted collaboration with Swinomish and an upcoming honor for Janie Beasley.
Mayor Marna Hanneman said she felt honored to speak recently to the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community Senate.
“We have an open dialogue,” she said. “We’re talking about what we need and what they need and merging together.”
Hanneman thanked Swinomish leaders for removing the old open-air market structure from the tribe’s First Street property in La Conner.
She also recognized Swinomish civic leader Janie Beasley, who will be honored June 7 as the 2024 La Conner High School Outstanding Alumnus.
Beasley, a longtime community advocate, graduated from La Conner High and has served in multiple leadership roles.
Bill Reynolds: bill@laconnercommunitynews.org. Bill is a general assignment reporter who covers Town government, schools, and spot news.
