Justin Paulsen has stepped up for over two decades as a community advocate for adults, children and youth. He has volunteered much of his time and skills to give to our community in a positive way. His community activism page on his campaign website is impressive. I hope people from other islands will take the time to read it and learn how he walks his talk. Here are some reasons why I’m voting for him.

Thoughtful, direct, truthful, fair, balanced and realistic. Approachable. Listens. Inclusive. Understands land use issues. Communicator, and collaborator. Understands Public Meetings Act and the importance for all voices to be heard in Public Comment periods. Understands the people’s desire to uphold our Comp Plan Vision, and the importance of Rural character and Quality of Life as priorities. Understands the long-range thinking and planning – generations out – not just five or 10 years. Understands that separate County departments need to be more connected with each other. Advocate for the middle class and year-round community. Will look at closing any lingering loopholes on VRBO over-proliferation on all islands and on keeping things equitable. Will represent Orcas and all the other islands. Orcas Urban Growth Area is negatively impacted by unlimited growth and gentrification in that it is one contiguous wetland ecosystem and the source of much of our drinking water – with two shoreline environments. The gross misinterpretation of the GMA by many of our former politicians will not allow our UGA any meaningful environmental protections. I have fought for decades against this.

It’s my hope that Justin will continue the work that some have started. Justin will bring clarity and ingenuity. He will listen to citizen solution-oriented ideas. We can do better toward saving our island communities from further gentrification, urbanization, deforestation and degradation of the environment at the expense of the working class, rural character and quality of life.

B. Sadie Bailey

Orcas Island