Botkin calls for Silverdale Town Meeting

"If the drive to incorporate Silverdale was a cry for help, County Commissioner Tim Botkin is eager to show that he heard it.Botkin, admittedly spurred by the recently failed incorporation effort, announced Tuesday that he was calling a Silverdale Town Hall meeting. The meeting is scheduled for 7:15 p.m. Wednes-day, Feb. 16, at the Silverdale Community Center.On hand will be Botkin and other county officials, including representatives from the departments of Public Works, Parks and Recreation and Community Development. Botkin said they will be there to listen to what Silverdale residents want for the community.Asked if the town meeting is a response to the incorporation movement, Botkin said, Hell, yes.But he also said he has wanted to host such a meeting for some time.I felt like I wasn't comfortable that people would take (such a meeting) on face-value (before the election), Botkin said. I felt like people would think we were trying to effect the outcome of the election.The first 30-45 minutes will be an open house, during which residents can view exhibits from the three departments in attendance and ask questions about projects in the area; the three departments and the Central Kitsap Community Council then will give formal presentations about their activities; a question and answer period will close the meeting.Public Works officials will discuss ways to improve traffic in the area. Also on the agenda are a discussion of building design standards and the future of parks projects like the Old Mill site and Clear Creek Trail.Botkin said much of what will be discussed at the town hall meeting will include previously planned projects put on hold until the outcome of the incorporation election was known. Now that the results are known, Botkin said, he wants to respond to one of the chief complaints of cityhood supporters - that the county ignores Silverdale.I intend to let people know that we are listening, he said."

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