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2006 ELECTIONS |
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Related pagesLetters supporting candidates in upcoming elections Voters to choose Dan Gillespie or Joan White for county Clerk | |
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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Supporting Joan White for county ClerkDear Editor, posted 10/30/2006 When Joan White told me of her intentions to run for County Clerk, it did not surprise me. I could not help but think how fortunate the community would be if she wins this election. Joan is a woman made of integrity, poise and she possesses a natural instinct for doing the right thing. It can be very hard work some days at the airport when, despite everybody's best intentions the fog will win-she remains resourceful and professional, no matter how the nerves are frayed. Her years of experience in the courtroom and as Deputy County Clerk have given her the necessary perspective and skills to succeed as County Clerk. Her passion for this community and its people is clear. If I could, I would vote for Joan White. Pete Brady, Chief PilotKenmore Air Express Dear Editor, posted 10/30/2006 Because she has worked in the clerk's office for over 12 years, the last four of which have been as the chief courtroom clerk, Joan has a detailed and extensive knowledge of courtroom procedures. Her courtroom demeanor is professional and efficient. Her time outside of the courtroom has also lent itself to her learned expertise in day to day departmental procedures. Her 21 years managing a union trucking company will be well suited to the managerial duties of the clerk as well. Thus she has extensive knowledge and experience in all areas of the complicated workings of the clerk's office. Also, I am delighted at her willingness to investigate satellite services which may be provided at locations other than the Friday Harbor courthouse and may include such benefits as passports, legal filings and availability of county forms. In short, Joan is an outstanding candidate for a position which demands the wearing of many hats and the possession of many talents. She has my vote.
Joan Pedrick, Attorney Dear Editor, posted 10/30/2006 Joan had an incredible ability to anticipate the needs, not only of the customers she served, but also of the people she worked with, and she proposed several improvements in accounting, record-keeping, flight scheduling, and customer handling. It was a privilege for me to work with Joan during the short period of time I served with those airlines. It was such a joy knowing Joan that I now count her as one of my dearest friends. I cannot stress enough how outgoing, warm, professional, and trustworthy a person she is. She will be an extremely valuable asset to the citizens as your San Juan County Clerk.
Mary Anne Lappier Dear Editor, posted 10/27/2006 Attorneys, their staffs, co-workers, employers, friends and many of the public who know Joan know that she is highly qualified. There has been no shortage of letters written on her behalf; a large number coming from attorneys who have worked directly with Joan in her capacity as Deputy Clerk for over 12 years. The task of her committee has been to get information to the voters who may not know Joan, or much about the Clerk's Office. In addition to the Candidate's Forums, Joan has made trips to Lopez, Orcas, Shaw and Waldron to meet voters. I encourage you to read Joan's statement in the Voter's Pamphlet and her recent county-wide mailing. Joan's blog (www.voteforjoan.blogspot.com) contains a lot of information about her, and includes a list of her supporters, as well as the many letters written endorsing her candidacy. Joan is competent, intelligent, and gracious to one and all. She has proven herself as Deputy Clerk for 12 years, and as Chief Courtroom Clerk for 4 years. I know she will make the transition to Clerk a smooth one. I am proud to be her supporter, because she is the best candidate for this position. I urge you to vote for Joan White for County Clerk.
Carol Linde Dear Editor, posted 10/27/2006 Joan has an unsurpassed work ethic and she has been that way all her life. She is not a political person in any sense of the word. Joan is a humanist. She cares about people's concerns. I have never seen her ask anyone to do something that she wouldn't do herself. She is competent, thorough and organized. This is a trait of her character. In her life as a business owner, we still looked to Joan to head our committees or chair our fundraisers. She was simply the most organized and effective person. When Joan was named Business Woman of the Year, she was surprised and honored. However, it was no surprise to any of us who know or worked with her. The voters of San Juan County have an opportunity to elect an experienced, compassionate, and hard-working candidate to the position of County Clerk. I hope you will vote for Joan White.
Margaret-Ann Sullivan Dear Editor, posted 10/27/2006 I have now started my 16th year in Friday Harbor. Joan White was the first person I met. Over the years I have witnessed her ethics, principles, integrity, her morals and honesty. I have always found her to be a professional. Because of the 12 years she has worked as Deputy Clerk, she has the experience, skills and expertise to serve as our County Clerk. Give her your vote of confidence on November 7, 2006. David L. Spurgeon Dear Editor, posted 10/23/2006 In all the years I have worked with the Clerk's office I have found it to be excellently run. Joan White and the other office personnel understand that they are there to serve the public professionally and kindly. When we have a highly qualified and capable internal candidate to continue this excellence, there seems no benefit to bringing in an outsider with no experience in the judicial area or the activities of the office. I will be enthusiastically voting for Joan White for County Clerk, and encourage others to join me in promoting this worthy candidate to the office which I am confident she will fill most capably.
Christopher Hodgkin Dear Editor, posted 10/19/2006 The question now becomes, "How do we choose between candidates?" "How do we know who is really qualified?" First we need to know what the duties of the office are, then we can figure out who to ask for an informed recommendation. Since many voters have had little contact with the office of the County Clerk, you may be among the many trying to decide who to vote for. I think I can help. Something very unique has happened - those with intimate knowledge of the duties of County Clerk have voiced their opinion. Attorneys who are not always known to agree with one another have come out almost unanimously for JOAN WHITE. Read their letters, consider why they feel so strongly about Joan and her experience. If you have a question about who to vote for, ask your attorney - or ask me. Joan is the clear choice for County Clerk.
John O. Linde, Dear Editor, posted 10/19/2006 I have known Joan White for over 16 years. She is a neighbor and friend with whom I have worked in the air transportation field. She is an energetic individual who puts great enthusiasm and her vast knowledge of complex and intricate procedures to work to ensure that the best solutions are achieved. Joan is an achiever. Joan has been the assistant county clerk for San Juan County for over 12 years and has done a magnificent job for which she has received many accolades from attorneys and co-workers. She has acquired the knowledge and practical experience of this office and is already fully qualified for the position. There will be no learning curve for her. She will begin immediately with full confidence and assurance that the job will be done correctly the first time. Joan provides integrity, knowledge and courtesy to all with whom she interacts. As she was a successful business owner and manager of a trucking firm, she possesed then, and still does, the attributes of a leader. It takes energy and devotion, integrity and knowledge, and you must be people oriented to run a business for the many years that Joan did. We need those attributes in the County Clerk's office. Please ensure the office of County Clerk is filled with such a highly qualified person as Joan. Vote for Joan White, County Clerk, on November 7.
John Owens Dear Editor, posted 10/19/2006 It is no surprise to me that I've been reading many letters in the San Juan County press from attorneys and others extolling Joan's virtues, and qualifications to be County Clerk. Those of us who deal with Joan White on a daily basis know what an outstanding job she does as a Deputy Clerk, and that she is uniquely qualified to lead the Superior Court Clerk's office for the next four years. I strongly support Joan White's candidacy for County Clerk. The people of San Juan County will be well served by electing Joan.
Mark Kaiman Dear Editor, posted 10/16/2006 Although I have not had the opportunity to work with her in her role as Deputy Clerk, I have worked extensively with her at the Friday Harbor airport as both a professional and private pilot. Joan consistently exhibits a "can-do" approach to any situation, always treating customers and co-workers alike with the same positive attitude. She will go out of her way to perform above and beyond the standard "call of duty" to assure that a job gets done. Joan sets a high standard of excellence for herself and works to maintain that standard in everything she does. If she says she will do something, she'll make sure it gets done! For this reason, I believe she deserves your vote for County Clerk on November 7.
Nancy L. Auth To the Editor: posted 10/16/2006 Joan has been a Deputy Court Clerk for more than 12 years and Chief Courtroom Clerk for 4 years. She is knowledgeable, gracious, professional, and always happy to assist. Individuals involved with the courts may not even realize how a knowledgeable and efficient clerk (or the lack thereof) can affect their matter, or how much the legal profession relies on a courteous and professional Clerk's Office. When working on time sensitive matters when literally minutes count, you need a Clerk who can handle the situation without hesitation. Joan White will make a smooth transition from Deputy Clerk to County Clerk. She is great to work with. She answers my questions, gives me more information than I realized I needed, helps with procedural matters, and facilitates and coordinates efforts between our law offices and the Judges. This is why I support Joan White for County Clerk. Joan White is the most qualified candidate for this position. Please join me in voting for Joan White for County Clerk. Jane Hutchison To the Editor: posted 10/16/2006 Blessed with a critical balance of brains, insatiable work ethic and even temperament, Joan always uses her abilities to advance the interests of any organization she chooses to represent. And she accomplishes this without ever overstepping her authority. We know because she represented our interests as a manager for three years. Joan is the kind of manager most organizations dream of acquiring and keeping as long as possible. Her managerial skills were undoubtedly honed during her successful twenty year ownership of a trucking company-a noteworthy accomplishment. The glowing professional testimonials Joan received have not been given as some sort of friendly gesture merely to advance her election campaign. Rather, they have been given because her exemplary track record warrants this kind of consideration. During this election season, voters will be given the opportunity to have her capably represent and manage their interests by voting for Joan White, County Clerk. Chris & Jamie Marsden, To the Editor: posted 10/16/2006 Addie spoke to Joan to let her know what was happening and Joan took it upon herself to give Addie the help she needed. Joan was able to get through to the proper authorities to help sort out our problem. I am not sure if Addie brought flowers to Joan or if Joan gave them to Addie, but long story short Joan has become a personal friend to us and always stays posted on Addie's whereabouts. Joan is a point of light in our life. Addie is in New Zealand and joins me in support of Joan White as County Clerk in San Juan County. Christine MillerFriday Harbor To the Editor: posted 10/16/2006 As someone who represents persons accused of crime in courts in San Juan County, I have long appreciated the level of professionalism, quality and cheerfulness of service, and overall assistance in the Court Clerk's Office in what can some times be a tricky business. We often have to respond to matters on short notice and deal with difficult and some times changing issues and cases. In my experience, Joan is able to address and adapt to the challenges that often arise in Court with great clarity. I think the citizens of San Juan County would be well-served if she were elected Clerk, and I support her bid for election. Tom Pacher Dear Editor, posted 10/11/2006 While all the Deputies were very helpful, I was particularly impressed with Joan White. She demonstrated competence, willingness to help, and cheerfulness--many times under the press of time. Most important, she understands the concept of "Service to the Public." I think she will make a fine County Clerk. Roy Moceri Dear Editor, posted 10/11/2006 So I am asking you to look at her candidacy from another angle. Joan is strongly supported by a large number of attorneys in this community - attorneys who have daily contact with the clerk's office and know from a working standpoint - the experience, the knowledge and the courtesy required to get the job done. If you have not had the pleasure of meeting Joan White, I urge you to read the letters from the attorneys on her website. Their voices affirm Joan White is the most experienced person for the job. Top that off with her professionalism and her desire to help, you have a winning combination in Joan White. Please join me in voting for Joan White for County Clerk. Lauren Franciosi Dear Editor; posted 10/06/2006
Shawn Alexander Dear Editor; posted 10/06/2006
As an attorney who has practiced in San Juan County since moving my office here in 2003, I have dealt with, and been served by the County Clerk's office, including Joan White, almost every business day. At every turn Joan White has been professional in attitude, competent in her job performance, and impartial in her treatment of me, my clients, the "opposing" parties, and their attorneys when those parties are represented by counsel. She has been second to none in her work in the Clerk's office and the courtroom. Joan White, with her twelve years of experience, understands the current policies and how they were developed. Some of those are unique to this County because of our geography, local culture and the circumstances of a shared Judicial District with no Superior Court Judges based here. She will be able to stand as a political equal with the Judges, Sheriff, Prosecutor, and County Council members in representing the interests of our citizens in how the Clerk's office is operated and interfaces with all the people and agencies who rely on effective, fair and impartial operations of the Clerk's office and of Superior Court support. Joan White is the only candidate who has the hands-on experience and the institutional memory to do the day to day tasks serving the public, administer the Clerk's office, develop policy and budget in light of changing law and regulation, and to debate policy with the other elected officials. Please vote for Joan White.
John Wickham, Attorney Dear Editor; posted 09/30/2006
Seanene Kennedy Dear Editor; posted 09/28/2006
The pace of this office varies from busy to "rush hour traffic." Therefore, the County Clerk must be highly knowledgeable about the workings of her office. Joan White is such a person. She has worked as a deputy clerk in this office for the past 12 years, and I have had nearly daily contact with her during that time. I have found her to be helpful, extremely knowledgeable, detail-oriented, unfailingly courteous despite the fast pace in her office, and dedicated to her job. She is so capable that the public would find it to be a smooth transition from the current clerk to Joan. There is no better candidate for County Clerk than Joan White, and the public will receive excellent service if this office is in her care. Carla J. Higginson Dear Editor; posted 09/27/2006
The office of the Clerk is nonpartisan. I am confident that Joan White will serve the general public fairly, impartially, and with skill, as she has done over the many years she has served in the Clerk's office. A vote for Joan White is a vote for experience. Please join me in supporting Joan White for Superior Court Clerk in the general election in November. Very truly yours, Lawrence Curt Delay Dear Editor; posted 09/27/2006
Now that Mary Jean has chosen not to seek re-election, it will be comforting to have Joan White, who has already worked as Deputy County Clerk for 12 years, slide seamlessly into the job. I do not know Joan's opponent, but that is the problem. We lawyers and our staff work regularly with the County Clerk's office and as a result, we know Joan White well. It is often her voice on the phone when we call with our questions and it is her face we see when we enter the Clerk's office. I was pleased and relieved when she stepped up to the plate to seek election. Joan is knowledgeable, professional and courteous under pressure. I cannot imagine someone trying to do the job of County Clerk without having worked in that office first to learn the ropes. Please help those of us who work regularly with the Clerk's office by voting for Joan White for County Clerk. Mary Stone, Dear Editor; posted 09/27/2006
In addition, Joan has pledged to implement programs to make the court more accessible to all the islands, which, in my opinion, is a much needed goal. Joan is a deputy clerk, as well as the chief courtroom clerk. She knows the ins and outs of the office. Please join me in voting for Joan White for County Clerk.
Chris Kenady Supporting Greg Hertel and Joan WhiteTo the Editor: posted 10/16/2006 Greg has a strong background and level of experience in serving the public and in public finance. As a career teacher at the San Juan Island high school and teachers union representative and as the a 14-year, (12 years as President) elected member of the San Juan Island Port District, Greg has extensive experience in dealing with budgets and accountability for public agencies. He understands how important quality staff is to the success of an organization and how it takes a team effort to bring forward successful results within government and between government agencies. Greg will bring that understanding and management insight to the position of County auditor. Greg Hertel also takes other County auditor responsibilities very seriously. The integrity of our elections process, licensing and legal recordings are also responsibilities of the County Auditor. I believe Greg has the management skills to make sure that the citizens of San Juan County are well served by the Auditor’s staff. For County Clerk, I would recommend you support for Joan White. The County Clerk is the elected official who works hand-in-glove with law enforcement, the Prosecutors office and the attorneys of San Juan County to keep the County court systems functioning properly. I take note of the support Joan White has from many members of the legal community. Joan has served in the Clerks office for 12 years including the position of Deputy Clerk. In this case, direct knowledge and hands-on experience are very important. We will all miss the long and distinguished public service we have had from retiring County Auditor, Si Stephens and County Clerk, Mary Jane Cahail. Our newly elected Auditor and Clerk will, however, have the advantage of taking over their responsibilities with experience trained and seasoned staff in place. A special thanks to Si and Mary Jane for a job well done. Thank you for listening,
John Evans |
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