2008 ELECTIONS

STORIES ABOUT GENERAL ELECTION

Polls for presidential, state senate and county council races

SAN JUAN ISLANDER EDITORIAL: Vote for Ranker and Pratt

LETTERS:

ABOUT ELECTION

PRESS RELEASES:

STATE SENATE:

Kevin Ranker running for state Senate

Steve Van Luven running for State Senate

County Council SJI-South

Lovel Pratt running for county Council District #1

Orcas Island -West

Mindy Kayl running for county Council

Fralick running for for San Juan County Council

County Council - Town

Fay Chaffee running for county Council

STORIES:

Kevin Ranker running for state Senate

List of San Juan County Council candidates

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Support for Steve Van Luven

Dear Editor,

This is not an anonymous attack. Kevin Ranker is just too liberal minded for me. His scare tactics during the customs questioning issue was really scary. He is so out of line with what it takes to even do what is basic for our population security. With just that line of thinking, anything else that he stands for is overshadowed with his too lenient stance and lack of critical thinking skills. You may publish this since it is not from an anonymous source. I am supporting Steve Van Luven.

Richard Ledford
Friday Harbor

Comments on Gov. Palin's wardrobe

To the Editor,

posted 10/26/2008
A lot has been made in the news recently about the amount of money spent on Gov. Sarah Palin's wardrobe for her campaign as vice-president of the United States. At greater issue is not so much the amount of money spent as the perception by the people of contradiction. The campaign has tried to portray her as a "soccer mom", "Joe Everybody" person, who can relate to the lifestyle of everyone on the street. As well, the campaign has tried to stress "fiscal responsibility".

While I am sure there are some "soccer moms" and "Joe Everybodys" out there that do, indeed, have wardrobes worth $150,000, they are not the norm. The perception then becomes one of someone who is just as out of touch with the "real world" of the average citizen as so many others in the field of politics. The presidential candidate who owns so many homes, while the average citizen struggles to maintain the ONE they have.

Though it may be commendable that the wardrobe will be donated to charity, it doesn't counter the issue that the "look" could have been achieved for far less money and at far less detriment to the campaign. The vast majority of people in the United States simply struggle to survive and the policies of the last eight years have made it increasingly difficult to do so. We do need change.

I'm not implying that I support McCain/Palin, because I don't. I feel that Gov. Palin is wholly unqualified to be (vice-)president of the United States.

Thanks for listening.

Alan Dortch
Friday Harbor

Supporting Lovel Pratt

To the Editor,

posted 10/24/2008
Our community is fortunate to have a candidate of Lovel Pratt's caliber running for county council. We have known Lovel for many years, both as an involved parent in the school system and as an active member of the agricultural community. We have been consistently impressed by her open mindedness, intelligence and grasp of the facts.

She is a good listener and a careful researcher who is concerned with getting the real facts about issues, not just supporting her own opinions. She is an effective communicator and a consensus builder, both qualities that are essential for efficient and responsive government.

In her 17 years of living on San Juan, she has an impressive record of community service in the areas of education, public safety, affordable housing and agriculture. She has a thorough knowledge of local issues and we know that she will be an excellent member of our county council. We urge you to join us in voting for Lovel for County Council, District 1 .

Mark and Mary Jane Anderson

Supporting Howie Rosenfeld

Dear Friday Harbor Residents,

posted 10/24/2008
Because we switched a couple of years ago to a Charter Government on the islands, it means that Friday Harbor town residents now have our own representative in the larger San Juan County government.

That County Council District #3 seat has been filled for the first two years by Howie Rosenfeld, who previously served for six years on the Friday Harbor Town Council - and who still lives and operates a business in Friday Harbor.

We think Howie has done a great job in making sure town residents are well represented in the larger county arena. He understands the importance of keeping good communication between thee two entities that must often solve island problems together - while still maintaining separate governments.

Howie certainly deserves to be re-elected.

Regards,
Lee and Tal Sturdivant Friday Harbor

Supporting Gordy Petersen

Dear Editor:

posted 10/22/2008
We are writing with our enthusiastic support of Gordy Peterson for county council. The following are just a few of the reasons we support Gordy.

1. Gordy has been a small business owner and employer in San Juan County for over twenty-five years and knows intimately what it takes to make ends meet in the islands. As a small business owner Gordy knows what it takes operate within a budget.

2. Gordy cares passionately about the livability of our island communities not only from an environmental stand point but from an economic stand point. We believe that special interest groups have far too much influence in creating land use regulations that are often detrimental to the average “working family”. My family has been blessed by being able to start and maintain a successful business headquartered on our own property back in the seventies. Hopefully we can pass the business on to one or more of our four kids……otherwise with the regulatory climate facing our type of business today there is virtually NO chance of creating a business like ours from scratch. Gordy understands that in order to protect working families' ability to live here the San Juan County Council needs the balance that understands small business.

3. In the wake of San Juan County's current budget issues Gordy's experiences as a small business owner will help keep our property taxes in check while still providing the services essential to our County citizens.

Join us in support of Gordy Peterson for county council.

Mike and Julie Carlson, owners of Mike Carlson Enterprises Inc., Friday Harbor

Dear Editor:

posted 10/22/2008
Given the possible outcomes of the November 4, 2008 elections; locally and nationally, it is indisputable that we will be in need people in Government with a sense of levity, of irony. It is equally indisputable that locally, Gordy Peterson is that person.

Please vote: Gordy for County Council.

Donna P. (Pauli) Gavora

Supporting Fay Chaffee for County Council District 3

To the Editor:

posted 10/20/2008
I am writing in support of the election of Fay Chaffee to the San Juan County Council District 3.

Having been involved in assisting the private sector with permit applications for over the past decade and a half, I have come into frequent contact with Ms. Chafee in her capacity as permit coordinator with the SJC Permit Center (now Community development & Planning).

While requiring that applications meet the standards of the land use codes, I have always found Ms. Chaffee to be solid in her understanding of the parameters of her job, and flexible to non-rote means of accomplishing it. When assessing a site for proposed development she has often been able to assist the applicant in developing the project in ways that not only satisfy code requirements, but result in a more aesthetically pleasing and environmentally sensitive result than mere strict code enforcement would provide.

Fay Chaffee's experience with regulatory mandates, and the often idiosyncratic language in which they are proposed, will make her a valuable asset to the County Council.

Perhaps if we had had someone of her experience in place, the County would not be in the process of trying to extricate itself from storm water policies, which it adopted and has been trying to implement for the past fifteen + years, that were designed for the King County urban area.

Please elect Fay Chaffee, San Juan Council District 3.

Supporting Gordy Petersen

To the Editor:

posted 10/20/2008
I urge the voters on the south end of San Juan Island to vote for Gordy - the man with ideas. We need someone with a record of thinking outside the box and coming up with real solutions and not just more of throwing money at problems in a hope for a miracle.

Remember when half a block in Friday Harbor burned? Lori and Gordy Petersen were the owners of those buildings destroyed, probably by a smoldering cigarette. Gordy decided to replace those building with metal buildings. People were surprised when those metal buildings became probably the most attractive shopping area in the town. Gordy did it quickly and lined up solid tenants for his new buildings. And he did it economically and far more quickly than if older construction techniques had been used.

At the dedication of the new buildings, the Petersens generously donated 3 very expensive defibrillators to the emergency services so that all first response vehicles were equipped with these lifesaving devices. I have one friend who is happy to still be alive due to the use of one of these devices. Gordy has always had a sense of giving to the community.

Gordy was one of the freeholders we elected to help draft the documents that are the basis for our current form of county government. He worked well within that group and his ideas were respected.

In Gordy Petersen, we have a candidate who has demonstrated his ability to take on difficult challenges and get things done. He is extremely generous with his time and money and he has shown that he can work with a group in coming to a common goal.

Elect Gordy to the Council and be assured that we will have a person who solves problems with ideas and not more of the taxpayers money.

Dave Vandaveer Friday Harbor

To the Editor:

posted 10/17/2008
We support Gordy Petersen in the District 1 County Council race.

We appreciate Gordy's firm resolve to not move the waste transfer station--nor to spend any more money on studies and land purchases that presume to move it.

We appreciate Gordy's caution over an annexation plan that includes unquantified financial commitments to promote affordable housing. Similar good intentions and financial carelessness hatched our present economic crisis. We appreciate Gordy's concern for the environment. No other environmental activist has so effectively cast light on Victoria, BC's shameful raw sewage discharge.

We appreciate Gordy's practical business experience. Gordy overcame many challenges over twenty-five years to build a successful business in San Juan County. The whole current Council has less practical business experience. His opponent has none.

The County's financial outlook has changed drastically in two weeks and today it is downright frightening. Now is not the time for well-intentioned but inexperienced leadership. Gordy will bring deep understanding of the issues, directly-relevant experience and a commitment to financial restraint. Please vote for Gordy.

Rosalie & Scott Webster
Marni & Bill Gendron
Kathryn & Everett Clary
Deanna & Gordon Banry
Kim Bertrand
Friday Harbor

Supporting Lovel Pratt for County Council District 1

To the Editor:

posted 10/18/2008

Lovell Pratt is a consensus builder, not an ideologue, which is a refreshing attribute this political season. In recent months I've been privileged enough to follow closely her examination of a critical issue for some islanders. Her method involved reading widely (and in depth), and gathering information from multiple points of view in the community. While her goal was to seek a solution amenable to all, it was also clear that she would not shy away from taking a stand.

I have for years appreciated Lovel's calm demeanor and thoughtful insights concerning the future of our fragile island homes. I was pleased to learn that she at last was seeking public office and will feel more hopeful about the future if she wins.

It's the right choice of the right person at a critical time.

Mike Vouri

Supporting Fay Chaffee

To the Editor:

posted 10/17/2008
I have worked with Fay Chaffee on numerous projects over the last 10 plus years. On every land use decision, Fay has considered the letter of the regulation and the intent of the regulation. When there were questions, Fay would do the research and give a prompt ruling. We need this approach on the County Council. Please vote for Fay Chaffee in the upcoming election.

Terry Gillespie

Republican for Ranker

To the Editor:

posted 10/15/2008
Every voter in SJC should mark their ballot with Kevin Ranker for State Senator. No candidate is capable of understanding issues that affect islanders like an islander. We know Kevin's record when it comes to environmental concerns such as salmon recovery, protecting Killer Whales, agriculture, open space, and shoreline preservation.

Will he continue a legislative push on these issues? Certainly. Will he do so in a way that would cause detriment to our society? Not likely.

I think as human beings we all have a concern regarding these issues to some degree. I have known Kevin for many years. I have attended over 50 Council sessions in the past two years and have witnessed Kevin to be a well-balanced, reasonable decision-maker, who considers the over-arching affects of his actions.

Kevin is 100% behind developing a stormwater manual and regulations that are applicable to rural areas such as ours. He is working to maintain the current level of service of Washington State Ferries and is seeking ways to increase funding to our routes. He has been working with our superintendents to push legislature for full-funding of public schools.

Kevin serves on many regional and state committees and has taken the lead in pressing our issues in Olympia and Washington DC. He has gained the support and respect of many state and federal elected officials.

I am a Republican and I believe that Kevin Ranker is our only choice for State Senator.

Lisa Brown
San Juan Island

Letters supporting Lovel Pratt for County Council

To the Editor:

posted 10/13/2008
Two items from Saturday's League of Women Voters Candidates' Forum are worth noting:

1. Gordy Petersen's statement that he believes that global warming is not due to human activity.
   
   
2. Petersen's response to a question about his support for a carrying capacity analysis by the County with emphasis on determining availability of water in the county for future development and on the contamination of existing ground water supplies by additional private individual septic system construction. He stated that he would not support a carrying capacity analysis of county water resources since plenty of water is available using desalinization installations and surface runoff retention ponds. He had no response to the septic system construction question.

Petersen's statement about global warming needs no further comment.

A carrying capacity analysis is scheduled to be done by the County in 2009. Large-scale desalinization has been shown to destroy the near-shore environment (see www.wwf.org.uk/). The only feasible spots for surface water retention ponds are the flat areas now covered by wetlands.

Lovel Pratt supports action to counter the effects of human-induced global warming; and she supports (as stated in Saturday's forum) the County's planned carrying capacity analysis. It makes sense to vote for Lovel.

Dear Editor,

posted 10/09/2008
There are certain skills we would like to see in our County Council members.

These skills include a proven ability to work cooperatively in a diverse group by (1) appreciating all sides of every question by listening to testimony with an open mind, (2) understanding the positions of other Council Members without questioning their motives or sincerity, and (3) demonstrating the willingness to work towards consensus when there is disagreement. If every Council Member possessed these qualities, the Council would be far more likely to take appropriate action, to the benefit of all constituents.

By contrast, legislators who obstinately hold to a position and refuse to compromise will render the legislative body ineffective at best, and hopelessly unproductive at worst. The legislative process often requires members to seek a middle ground, with the understanding that taking no action may be worse than compromising. An inflexible ideologue is toxic to the legislative process.

I hope you will join me in voting for the candidate for Council Position No. 1 who best demonstrates the qualities of an effective legislator: Lovel Pratt.

– George Johnson
San Juan Island

Dear Editor,

posted 10/09/2008
We are writing to voice our support for Lovel Pratt as San Juan County Council representative, District 1.

Whether working in a leadership position or as a team player, Lovel has clearly demonstrated an unwaivering commitment to community service and an ability to get things done. Her thoughtful and inclusive approach to issues of education, affordable housing and local agriculture will serve our community well.

During her 17 years as an islander she (with her husband, Boyd) has reared her children and been active in the schools, raised produce and livestock for a CSA on her Mulno Cove Farm, and served in many volunteer positions. In 2003 she was named “Citizen of the Year” by The Journal for her work as Executive Director of the San Juan Community Home Trust. She has a proven record of productive and fair service to our community.

Lovel listens carefully, considers different points of view, does her research, and works toward equitable solutions that preserve the unique integrity of our community. She has our enthusiastic support.

Peter and Christine Chan
Paula West
Joe Cooper
Shann Weston
Steve Porten
Ruth and Walter MacGinite
Toni LoBue

Dear Editor,/p>

posted 10/09/2008
We're writing this letter in support of Lovel Pratt who is running for San Juan County Council, District One. She has been an active member of our community since moving here seventeen years ago.

Lovel is our neighbor. We had the privilege of getting to know her better when she and her husband operated a CSA farm. Our daughter worked for her in the summer throughout high school and into college. Lovel thought it was important to pay a fare wage and provide good working conditions. She was a great role model for a young girl.

She has been voted both "Firefighter of the Year" by her peers and "Citizen of the Year" by the Journal for her work as the Executive Director for the San Juan Community Home Trust. She has years of experience working and volunteering in local county government, affordable housing, agriculture, and education.

Lovel has the ability to listen to all sides of the issues, do the extensive research needed and then make decisions that will benefit the majority. She seeks common ground and is able to maintain friendships with people whose views may not always align with hers. We like her collaborative style and trust she will represent our family with the dedication and commitment she has put forth in all of her other endeavors. We think she will be an excellent Council member.

Weyshawn and Eric Koons

Dear Editor,/p>

posted 10/09/2008
I write to support Lovel Pratt for San Juan County Council, District 1. I have known Lovel for several years and have always been impressed by the level of integrity that she brings to all areas of her life and work.

Particularly in the current political climate, Lovel stands out as an example of how to be fair, reasoned and selfless but steadily determined as she gets the job done. Her principled judgement and ability to reach out to all are essential attributes for public work. With Lovel on the County Council, we could rest assured that our best interests were being addressed by someone who truly personifies the best of what it means to be an islander.

From affordable housing to agriculture and planning to education she has shown her committment to those issues that are most important to our life on this island. Talk about a shining example of walking the walk! Her steady hand has been seen working for the public good both as a volunteer and as an employee. We are fortunate to have her and should seize this opportunity to support her as a member of the County Council, District 1.

Daniel Mayes

Dear Editor,/p>

posted 10/09/2008
In my mind there is only one candidate for County Council, District One that has the breadth of experience, the collaboration skills, and the commitment to our entire community required to lead us through the inevitable future challenges. Lovel Pratt will receive my vote and I am asking for yours, too. We face huge challenges - challenges that her opponent's single-minded rhetoric for a smaller government will not solve. We need someone with compassion, wisdom, and a strong voice to guide us. Lovel's experience as a planning commissioner, Home Trust Director, and very active community volunteer (firefighting, schools, Farmer's Market) gives her a unique sense of our community's needs and goals. She understands and appreciates ALL parts of our community; the business owners, the parents, the farmers, and the retired. These groups often have conflicting ambitions but Lovel has a collaborative style that engages all parties, listens with care, builds on her own research, then respectfully presents and explains her views.

Her position on the proposed relocation of the transfer station is most illustrative. One proposed site, off Beaverton Valley Road, is near my home and the issue therefore affects me greatly. Gordy, on the one hand, is adamantly opposed to moving the transfer station. I appreciate this and his position benefits me personally. However, standing above the NIMBY attitude and thinking more of our entire community, I much more appreciate Lovel's evolution to a position. Regarding this transfer station she says, "I think it is wrong to pre-judge a decision before all the information has been provided, before the public has had an opportunity to have their concerns addressed, and before recommendations from the citizen advisory group and county staff have been heard".

Lovel puts as much weight on the decision making process as on the result and I strongly believe this is intellectually more honest and leads to a better community.

We will face many challenges in the next few years. Our goal should be to emerge stronger with a less divisive community. Only Lovel can take us there.

Larry Wight

Supports Lovell Pratt for County Council

Dear Editor,

posted 08/02/2008
This is a letter of support for Lovel Pratt, who is running for San Juan County Council – District 1.

Lovel is an excellent choice for a member of our County Council. She has been an active part of our community for the past seventeen years. I know Lovel as a member of the Friday Harbor Elementary School Learning Improvement Team and the person who initiated the Reading Buddy Program in cooperation with the San Juan Public Library. As a teacher in the district for 23 years, I know how her vision of this program, along with determination, made this program a reality. What could be important than helping meet the challenge of helping children find joy in reading?

In addition, she has been an active part of our community within the volunteer fire department, directing the Community Home Trust and as a co- owner and operator of a CSA farm. She also has been an active member of the San Juan Island Farmers Market Association. Participation in each of these groups required the ability to work well with other, come to a common ground over issues, and demonstrate commitment.

I believe Lovel has the has the ability to see the big picture and the willingness and wisdom to go after the facts in order to snap the pieces of the puzzle together. She will work to make San Juan Island an even better place to call home as we navigate the future together.

Nan Simpson
Steve Simpson

Support Lovell Pratt for County Council

Dear Editor,

posted 08/01/2008
We support Lovel Pratt for County Council, District 1. Lovel is a long-time supporter of local agriculture. She regularly attends meetings of the Grange, Ag Guild, Agricultural Resource Committee and numerous other volunteer organizations, which keeps her current with issues we face. Lovel works well in groups, is a good listener, facilitates the identification of priorities and goals, and follows through on what needs to be done to implement those goals.

Lovel was instrumental in finding a home for the San Juan Farmers' Market at the Courthouse parking lot, and is now working with the Ag Guild to find a location for a year-round famers' market facility here on San Juan Island. Her eight years supervising the SJC Fair Ag Tent has increased the awareness of the importance of local agriculture. Lovel's long standing commitment to our community is why we support her.

Worthy note: Lovel has chosen to refrain from signage along our roads.

Jim Lawrence,
Lisa Nash Lawrence,
Jim Sesby,
Christina Dahl-Sesby

Comments on Petersen's support

Dear Editor,

posted 08/01/2008
Hmm, I thought; so let's see: Letters in support of Gordy Petersen have been posted on the San Juan Islander Web site from Tom Starr, Herb Meyer, John Evans and Ray Bigler.

Are there any common threads there? Perhaps it calls to mind a list of the pro-development, anti-planning "Spring Street Gang" of not too distant history.

I report, you decide. . . .

Bob Distler
Orcas

Supports Lovell Pratt for County Council

Dear Editor:

posted 07/21/2008
I would like to share the reasons I feel Lovel Pratt would be the best County Council representative for District 1.

I have known Lovel since her son started school with my son 12 years ago. The joint projects and committees we have both been involved in within the County, the Schools and the non-profit area are too numerous to mention. I have, however, gained a very good sense of how Lovel thinks things through. She makes a thorough effort to do the research, consider both sides and come up with the best solution.

Lovel will also listen to new views and new information. She has experience at the County level serving on the Planning Commission, at the all of the Schools on San Juan Island, in a small business (which is extremely important) and something near and dear to my heart – our local agriculture.

We do not always agree. However, I know Lovel will listen to me and even if we do not agree – she always bends a little more my way and attempts to find an answer that will consider all the important factors in each situation.

Please support Lovel Pratt as our District 1 representative in the upcoming election.

Cathaleen Cavanagh

Supports Ranker for state Senate

Dear Editor:

posted 07/17/2008

Kevin Ranker is a leading candidate for the seat of retiring State Senator Harriet Spanel. This offers the residents of San Juan County an opportunity to have an advocate in Olympia who is intimately acquainted with our needs. Such an opportunity may not return for decades.

Protecting the environment, strengthening the local economy, acquiring more funding for education, and finding permanent solutions for the problems with the ferry system are all high priority items for Kevin.

As councilperson he has already spent considerable time in our state's capital working in our behalf. The contacts and experience he has gained will prove invaluable when he serves as Senator.

A large primary turnout in our county is crucial to Kevin's campaign. Therefore, when you receive your ballot in the near future, be sure to vote and mail it in. We need him representing our interests in Olympia. (To learn more about Kevin's campaign, go to www.kevinranker.com.)

Mac Langford
Lopez

Supports Gordy Petersen for County Council

Dear Editor:

posted 07/17/2008
I am writing in support of Gordy Petersen for County Council. Gordy has been an avid student of the affairs of San Juan County – from the Transfer Station issue, to Budgets, to the pollution of our waters from the Victoria sewage outfall. Our council needs another voice for monetary restraint in taxes and spending – and Gordy will provide that voice.

Gordy has the experience for the job, having been a local business man/grocer, a County Planning Commissioner, and a Freeholder on the Charter Commission. He has been a continual observer and meaningful commentator on Planning issues such as the Critical Areas Ordinance and the Stormwater fee fiasco.

We need Gordy working for us – elect him as our District 1 Council Rep.

Tom Starr

Dear Editor:

posted 07/17/2008
Gordy Petersen was interviewed last evening on Victoria's leading news radio show. The subject was B.C.'s raw sewage, and for those of you who didn't hear the interview Gordy was – as usual – terrific.

In the nicest possible way, Gordy made it clear to our Canadian neighbors that pumping their raw sewage into the Strait of Juan de Fuca just isn't something they ought to be doing. And he warned Victoria's tourist industry that unless this problem gets resolved, it's likely that fewer Americans will want to visit their lovely city and spend their money there in hotels, restaurants and shops. (Would that our own State Department could speak to our allies as clearly and concisely as Gordy.)

Isn't it obvious that Gordy Petersen ought to be on our County Council? He's already accomplished more as a candidate that most of our Council members have accomplished in office.

Herb Meyer
Friday Harbor

Supports Gordy Petersen for County Council

To the editor,

posted 07/11/2008
I am writing to urge voters to cast their ballot for Gordy Petersen in the upcoming San Juan County Council election. He has an extensive background in County matters, volunteering his time to serve on the committee that drafted the Comprehensive Plan and Unified development Code and to serve on the San Juan County Planning Commission. Most recently, Gordy was elected to serve on the committee that drafted the San Juan County Charter.

Gordy was the leader who stopped the unwanted mega-marina development in Orcas Village, was instrumental in securing the award winning sewer system for Orcas Village and directed the development of the village water system. In other words, Gordy knows how to get things done! He will do the same as a Councilman for citizens on San Juan Island.

I have known Gordy for over 20 years. He is forthright, impeccably honest, has a strong sense of community and is blessed with plenty of good old-fashioned common sense. He understands the quality of life we wish to maintain in the islands.

Gordy voted for the Charter. In doing so, he also made a clear statement that the Charter was going to increase the cost of County government. He was criticized by some for his honest assessment of the Charter's impending financial cost. As it turns out, Gordy's analysis was certainly correct.

As a voter, I greatly appreciate a person with Gordy's strong business background and who understands budgets at a time when the County is headed for serious financial difficulties. Having a person with Gordy Petersen's experience on the Council, an elected official who will "tell it like it is" and who is not beholding to special interests will benefit all of us.

Sincerely,

John Evans
San Juan County Commissioner for 12 years

Supports Gordy Petersen for county Council

Dear Editor,

posted 07/03/2008
I have known Gordy for 15 years and until my store Friday Harbor Grocery, burned to the ground, he was my landlord. During the years that I have known and done business with Gordy I have never met a more sincere and honest person and it has been a privilege knowing and working with him.

Gordy's experience working on many different local Committees and Boards and his dedication to our community is unsurpassed. Unlike his competitors in this race, Gordy brings a vast amount of knowledge, experience and a sense of humor that our County Council has been lacking. While our current Council continues to spend much of their time on national issues that are not relevant to our local problems and spending our tax dollars like drunken sailors, I am convinced that Gordy's ability to reach consensus with others will steer this group back to the problems that we all face locally.

There are many issues that need to be addressed and resolved. Reliable and affordable ferry service, affordable housing, sustainable farming, ever increasing taxes, secret meetings, just to name a few. Gordy's experience and vision will be invaluable to the future of our community and the future of our children.

I strongly urge you to VOTE for GORDY, County Council Position #1.

Respectfully,

Ray Bigler
San Juan Island

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