Dear Island Neighbors,

If any of you are nostalgic for a time when elected officials took the notion of “public servant” to heart, when they earnestly viewed their role as a responsibility to improve the collective good, when they worked together to hammer out workable solutions to thorny challenges, when they took the time to understand their constituents’ hopes and concerns, leaned on facts and made decisions with discernment and integrity, then please cast your vote for Rick Hughes, District 2.

I’ve known Rick my entire life; our family ties on Orcas span four generations. He is acutely aware of the need for balanced and humble leadership. Rick is in this race for all the right reasons: because he cares deeply about this incredible place and the people in it. He has smart ideas for how to address some of our most pressing issues; importantly, he also brings the experience, judgment and relationships needed to make them happen.

We need leaders who can take the long view without discounting the present. Merriam-Webster defines stewardship as “the careful and responsible management of something entrusted to one’s care.” That’s what we’ll get with Rick Hughes in office.

Laura Johanson

Orcas Island