In 1974, 20 years before anyone thought of the Growth Management Act, the farmers of Skagit County voluntarily reduced the value of their farms by down-zoning – increasing the minimum parcel size to 40 acres. They did this because they understood that if smaller parcels were allowed, eventually development would overrun their fields.

In the 1990’s, farmers again took the initiative and did the research and political work to create the Skagit County Farmland Legacy Program. This is the program that places permanent easements on farmland to prevent it from ever being developed.

Farmers also pushed for the creation of an Agricultural Advisory Board – to assure that the Commissioners were getting advice about how to protect the industry of agriculture and the county’s rural character from being destroyed.

Skagit farmers have always been leaders. Our Legacy Program and Ag Advisory Board are models for the state.

When I decided to run for office, my campaign team helped me figure out how to address issues that might come up. But never did any of us anticipate that I would be accused of not being a farmer. I really don’t know what to say about that silly accusation – do you think I get up at 6AM to feed the cows as a deception?

I live in the house my grandparents built in this valley when they decided to settle here and farm. My entire family works in this business and I certainly hope that future generations of Wesens will be farming and living in that house in 100 years.

I will do everything I can, as a County Commissioner, to see that happens.

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