News Roundup — Emissions bill scoots along/Priest out for five months/HRB names new board

Published 5:00 pm Wednesday, April 20, 2005

Emissions bill scoots along

An effort initiated by Sen. Phil Rockefeller to curb tailpipe toxins and greenhouse gases saw victory in the state Senate last week.

The 29-19 vote last Wednesday was added to an earlier win in the state House.

While the measure has seen some revisions, Rockefeller was satisfied with the campaign’s progress, especially in light of staunch opposition from U.S. auto manufacturers

“This is a very significant step,” he said from the Senate floor. “There were auto manufacturer (lobbyists) everywhere around here – they were like the plague.”

The legislation, patterned after California laws, would mean more cleaner-burning, fuel-efficient new cars sold in Washington by 2009.

Carmakers worried that the proposed guidelines could force them to manufacture models that are unpopular with most consumers. Washington dealers feared local buyers would flock across state borders to find cheaper cars without the costly upgrades.

Legislators removed a provision requiring annual sales quotas for the cleaner-running vehicles as a concession to auto dealers. The proposed law would also need ratification of a similar measure in Oregon for Washington’s new guidelines to take effect.

Rockefeller doesn’t think the Oregon-first rule is much of a barrier to cleaner cars in Washington. Oregon Gov. Ted Kulongoski has expressed support for such a measure and has the authority to enact similar rules, Rockefeller said.

Seven states, including Maine, Massachusetts and Connecticut, already use similar limits on toxic emissions.

The bill will return to the House for debate on the Senate’s amendments.

– Tristan Baurick

Priest out for five months

The Rev. Sean K. O’Loughlin, parish priest at St. Cecilia Catholic Church, will not be returning to work for at least five months, the Archdiocese of Seattle says.

O’Loughlin was removed from ministry on Feb. 25, and escorted off the property by uniformed police officers. The Rev. Paul Magnano, vicar for the archdiocese, told parishioners during a recent Sunday service that the removal was not due to any illegal conduct.

But he declined to comment on what led to O’Loughlin’s removal, leaving parishioners puzzled and concerned for the welfare of the priest, who was said to be well-liked and good with the youth in the parish.

For now, the church hierarchy has asked that the priest be given time to recuperate.

“During this time it is important that Father O’Loughlin not be distracted from his own self-care by the responsibilities of the parish,” Magnano said in a letter to parishioners. “For that reason he will not be able to contact you during the coming months.”

In its letter, the archdiocese reported that O’Loughlin’s six-month leave of absence began in March, “for some rest and renewal, as well as an evaluation of his overall health.”

“Father O’Loughlin wants to take care of himself right now and we his family of faith have a responsibility to do everything we can to help and support him.”

In the interim, Magnano will serve as priest moderator of the parish, assuring that priests are present for Mass and pastoral care.

“As you know from your own experience, Father O’Loughlin is a dedicated pastor and a good priest,” Magnano wrote to St. Cecilia members. “I ask that you keep him in your prayers during the coming months. It is my hope and prayer that Father O’Loughlin will return as your pastor healthy, happy and rested.”

– Rhonda Parks Manville

HRB names new board

Del Miller will serve as chair of the Housing Resources Board of Bainbridge Island, the organization said in announcing a slate of new officers and several new board members.

After serving two terms as board chair, Don Heppenstall has stepped down. Newly elected officers include Miller as chair; Tina Gilbert, vice-chair; Carolyn Leigh, secretary; and Ned Palmer, treasurer.

Continuing board members include Penny Lamping, Jim Llewellyn, Clara Manny and Karla Schultz, while new directors include Gerardo Aguayo, Kevin Hawkins, Stephanie Hillier, Danielle Risdon and Anna Tofani.

In other changes, longtime Tenant Services Coordinator Karen Fredricks has left her position with HRB to move on to other pursuits. Her duties included running the Island Home Outreach Support and Home Finder programs which helped match up those looking for housing with available properties in the area.

Fredricks will continue her involvement with Housing Resources Board by managing summer improvement activities on a volunteer basis. Her former duties will be handled now by Karen Wolfe, who can be reached at 842-9664.

The Housing Resources Board is the only locally based agency providing affordable housing opportunities on the island.

Its mission, “to preserve the diversity and vitality of Bainbridge Island by providing and maintaining affordable housing opportunities in the community,” is carried out by ownership and maintenance of more than 40 rental units, along with specific programs which help the neediest members of the community.

In the coming months, HRB will announce additional programs to further educate the community in housing needs, it said.