Both positions for the Sequim Aquatic Recreation Center board of commissioners are contested.
Incumbent Susan Sorensen and challenger Jan Richardson are running for position No. 1 while Noelle Levesque challenges incumbent Robert Macaulay for position No. 2.
These unpaid, nonpartisan positions are for four-year terms.
A five-member board of commissioners sets policies, rules, regulations and budgets for the recreation center at 610 N. Fifth Ave.
Board meetings are scheduled the first and second Wednesday of the month with the first Wednesday of the month primarily devoted to setting the agenda.
All board meetings are held at 5 p.m. in Room C401-B at
Sequim Bible Church, 847 N. Sequim Ave.
Jan Richardson
Running for commissioner two years ago, I foretold the consequence of coming competition and the loss of revenue that would follow. The idea that SARC had a pool was thought to be protection against competitive encroachment by the then existing board.
Since then, competition from new and improved local gyms, as well as the re-establishment of Port Angeles’ pool, have increased with the corresponding loss of revenue. According to SARC’s monthly financial reports, SARC has lost approximately $65,000 in revenue year-to-date compared to 2008, while other gyms have prospered.
I have the same goal today as two years ago, re-establish
goodwill to the people of the park’s district. To do this, I would call on the board to hire a director, one with a business degree and sport facility management experience. And with an annual salary of nearly $70,000, I think the populace deserves a true professional director. The director works at the pleasure of the board.
SARC is a service business and as such I would like to update the locker/shower rooms, expand the operating hours and install a climbing wall for young/old.
Other than a professional director, SARC needs to be involved in community events, such as the North Olympic Discovery Marathon and county bike rides. This added exposure along with the other suggestions would increase patronage and stop the financial hemorrhaging.
Susan Sorensen
Education
Diploma in nursing from Lutheran Medical Center School of Nursing, Cleveland, Ohio
Bachelor’s degree in nursing from Medical College of Virginia, Richmond, Va.
Master’s degree in human resource development from Webster University, St. Louis, Mo.
Experience
Retired from the United States Air Force Nurse Corps as a lieutenant colonel
Presently a nurse at Sequim Same Day Surgery
Have been doing diabetes education in the community since 1999
Presently on the SARC board of commissioners
My goal is to continue to be a voice for the silent majority of SARC users who appreciate the facility, abide by the rules and want to see SARC continue to succeed. With the continual growth of the community, SARC must continue to meet the needs of the users and provide updated equipment while guarding the safety of all patrons.
Since SARC receives no funding from city, county or state sources, SARC must continue to remain affordable while remaining solvent. If re-elected, I will continue to vote for improvements in SARC that will benefit the largest number of patrons.
Noelle Levesque
I am seeking the position No. 2 on the SARC board so that I can bring change to SARC. I’ve been going to SARC over five years and I do believe it is time to change it.
I want to add more programs, add a personal trainer to the staff of SARC that will be able to show new people to use the equipment, aid in their weight loss or fitness levels.
I want SARC to be able to complete with the other gyms in town by replacing outdated equipment that needs to be updated, reduce the fees to enter the gym, add new racquetball courts, add a free weight area, expand time open, add a 24-hour feature, offer extended months on current membership during the time that SARC is closed for annual maintenance and continue the Premier Pass that was offered over four years ago.
SARC is losing people due to the fact that the other gyms will match the fee charged by SARC. I want to stop this if elected. SARC is too expensive to use, and this needs to change. It is also time for SARC to have a more people-friendly director.
If elected, I will not go back on my word to the people who elected me.
I promise I will not lie to get elected like most candidates do.
Robert Macaulay
Education
Western State College of Colorado, graduate 1969, B.A.
University of Alaska, master’s degree in education, certificate in secondary education administration
Experience
Homer High School pool director, 10 years
Homer High School athletic director, six years
Homer High School assistant principal, five years
Homer Alternative principal, two years
Sequim Aquatic Recreation Center commissioner, August 2008-present
Community Service
Citizen for Sequim Schools, chairman four years
Sequim Rotary Club
Sequim High School Textbook Committee
Sequim Youth Soccer coach
Youth sailing instructor
Sequim Middle School Parent Advisory Council
Reach for Hospice Sail Race fundraiser
During the last 20 years of my professional life, I supervised school athletic complexes and programs. This included building maintenance, budgeting funds, the employment of personnel and the administration of high school athletic programs.
SARC programs have changed to meet community needs and demands. It is the responsibility of the SARC board not only to employ and terminate — should the need be — the executive director, but to monitor cash flow and hear the public’s concerns.
As a SARC board member, I have the opportunity to speak to all who have problems and/or concerns regarding the SARC facility. If I am elected, I will continue the program of upgrading equipment and keeping an open mind to new ideas.
