Stronger Surfside. Better Future.
Surfside faces important choices about its future. As coastal communities confront increasing environmental challenges, aging infrastructure, and concerns about governance and transparency, many residents are asking what kind of community they want to leave for future generations.
Retired Intel technology professional, author, researcher, and longtime Surfside homeowner Mike Chevalier believes the answer begins with building a healthier, more resilient, and more transparent community.
Our Vision
The vision is simple:
Treat members as neighbors. Build trust through listening, respect, and collaboration.
Rather than governing through division and conflict, the goal is to create accountable leadership that listens openly, values member input, and works together to solve problems.
Protecting Surfside from Climate Threats
Surfside is not immune from the challenges facing coastal communities throughout the Pacific Northwest. Stronger storms, sea-level rise, flooding, erosion, and extreme weather require long-term planning.
Key priorities include:
- Expanding tree canopy and green infrastructure to support senior health and well-being.
- Preserving wetlands, riparian buffers, and natural shorelines.
- Improving water quality and flood protection.
- Increasing resilience against heat, flooding, severe storms, and erosion.
- Protecting both residents and the Pacific Ocean ecosystem.
Healthy forests and natural systems are not merely aesthetic features—they are essential infrastructure that provide shade, cleaner air, cleaner water, and protection from climate impacts.
Increasing Election Integrity and Member Participation
Healthy communities depend upon trust in the election process.
Chevalier advocates for:
Electronic Voting and Ballot Tracking
Modernizing elections would provide greater transparency and help ensure ballots are delivered and counted properly.
Reducing Lost or Misaddressed Ballots
Reliable voting systems can prevent many of the issues that have frustrated members in recent years.
Community Polling and Member Feedback
Important decisions should reflect the voices of members, not just a small group of individuals.
No Voter Suppression Due to Fines
Every eligible member deserves the opportunity to vote without fear that unrelated disputes or fines could be used to silence their voice.
Secure and Transparent Elections
Confidence in the election process strengthens confidence in the community itself.
Every Eligible Voice Heard. Every Vote Counted.
Participation and fairness should be cornerstones of community governance.
Building Trust Through Transparency and Accountability
Transparency creates trust. Residents deserve access to information and confidence that decisions are being made fairly.
Priorities include:
- Open communication and accessible information.
- Clear reporting on finances, projects, and board decisions.
- Fair, consistent, and accountable governance.
- Greater member participation in key decisions.
- An open-door policy where residents can seek assistance and have concerns heard respectfully.
Treating Members as Neighbors
At the heart of this vision is a belief that neighbors should not be treated as adversaries.
Communities are strongest when members listen to one another, respect differing viewpoints, and work collaboratively to solve problems.
Compassion, transparency, and accountability are not signs of weakness—they are the foundations of trust.
Looking Forward
Surfside’s future will be shaped by the decisions made today.
Preparing for climate challenges, improving water quality, protecting natural resources, strengthening elections, and restoring trust are investments not only in infrastructure but in the people who call Surfside home.
The goal is not simply to maintain what exists today, but to create a community that is healthier, more resilient, and more connected.
Surfside Washington News 