PORT TOWNSEND — After a string of unsuccessful attempts to sway Republican Jefferson County commissioners to help subsidize free parking at Fort Worden State Park, Fort Worden Advisory Committee’s chairwoman vowed Monday to go before a Democrat-dominated county board early next year.
“The thing they don’t understand is we have a lot of people outside of Port Townsend who use that park,” Jean Dunbar said after the three Republican commissioners rejected the committee’s sixth request for funding.
Dunbar figures the complexion of the board changes dramatically after Jan. 1, when Democrats David Sullivan and Phil Johnson succeed the commissioners they defeated in last Tuesday’s general election — Glen Huntingford and Dan Titterness.
Only Pat Rodgers, a Brinnon Republican, will remain on the board.
Sullivan and Johnson both voiced support during their campaigns for county funding to help the state, city of Port Townsend and the advisory committee’s Parking Fee Coalition keep the $5 daily parking free for Fort Worden visitors.
The fee is charged by the state Department of Parks and Recreation at most other state parks to offset budget cutbacks inflicted by the governor and Legislature.
Regardless of cost
Rodgers said Monday he believes that Fort Worden draws visitors as an attraction regardless of cost.
“I do believe the $5 fee has very little negative impact on the park,” Rodgers said.
Johnson, who attended the portion of the commissioners’ Monday meeting in which Dunbar made the request for $7,000, reiterated his support for county funds to help keep Fort Worden parking free.
