Gentle readers,

My name is Tip Johnson. The usual editor of this publication has asked me to fill in for a bit while he is busy with other matters. Some of you have already written, following his last posting, to inquire as to whether he is O.K.

Yep, he's O.K., cantankerous as ever, just busy with some other things. I've heard him talk over the last year or so about expanding nwcitizen.us to include a few other contributors. I guess he is starting with me. That's dangerous!

In case you don't know me, I am a long-time public interest advocate with an extensive history in community and environmental affairs. For instance, the proposal that led to the creation of the Connelly Creek Nature Area was my senior project at Fairhaven College. Later, I founded Fairhaven Boatworks on the Fairhaven waterfront to pioneer small boat access to Bellingham Bay and the Chuckanut Coast. I've served on numerous community boards and committees, including eight years for the Whatcom County Opportunity Council while also serving on the Bellingham City Council from 1985 to 1993. Last year I unsuccessfully ran for the Port Commission on a platform of keeping the waterfront in public ownership with a priority for water-related and public uses.

Now I consider myself a recovering politician, but retain an abiding interest in public policy. Since I like to follow local issues and tend to form policy-based opinions, this editorial format could be a good outlet for my concerns about government and community. If you want to share your opinions with me, you may write me at (spelled out to prevent spamlist spidering) - tip"at"nwcitizen"dot"us. Get it?

I will attempt to reply to each message, but I am not going to waste time defending my opinion to all comers. Also, I will not guarantee that rebuttals are printed. Bona fide corrections will always be published.

So, welcome to this epoch of nwcitizen.us and please check back soon to "enjoy" my first substantive post! Cheers.