What makes for a good San Juan County Council representative? Who should we empower to decide how our lives will be governed? I am reassured when a candidate has positive public service experience, demonstrating well developed skills in listening to people, working with big budgets, deadlines, rules and regulations, in an area that directly benefits our community. We need someone who has paid their dues and learned how to effectively manage public funds and big ideas.

There is a steep learning curve to becoming a capable county council commissioner. I will vote for Lisa Byers. Her long history of providing housing for many vital community members on Orcas demonstrates her ability to work with all kinds of people, make the numbers add up to affordable homes, and do so in a regulation rich environment. She has extensive experience which relates well to the job of commissioner. Let’s use it.

Marty Clark

Lopez Island