The five candidates running for the position of County Council District 1 each got a chance to share their opinions on topics plaguing San Juan County at one of three forums held by The League of Women Voters.

The first of the forums was held on Tuesday, July 5 on Orcas. On Wednesday, July 6, the candidates held forums on San Juan and Lopez islands.

Incumbent Bob Jarman is running against Sheryl Albritton, Frank Penwell, Bill Watson and Steve Wehrly. Each candidate had two minutes to present an introductory speech to the audience.

“Actions speak louder than words,” Albritton said, claiming that if elected she would provide true transparency, solid experience and empowering representation to the position. She described herself as, “strong, hardworking and 100 percent representative.”

Next came Jarman who said, “I haven’t got [sic] through the things I want to get done… I want to continue working with them (Jamie Stephens and Rick Hughes) to conquer the big items we have ahead of us: the comprehensive plan and housing issue, I believe are the two biggest issues and I do believe I can contribute the best to those issues moving forward.”

Penwell said he would put community first. He claimed there are too many special interest groups involved in county politics and the county isn’t treating the public with respect.

“I do not want to see my 12 years of hard work go to waste,” said Penwell, who has spent the last 12 years leading the Community Treasures’ recycling activities on San Juan Island.

Watson followed by saying he’s a critical thinker and problem solver. As a council member, he said he would rely upon his technical experience and skills to, “Listen to and discuss the diverse views of the citizens.”

Rounding out the introductions was Wehrly who said he has been working in government for 30 years and has worked on more than 30 state budgets.

“I know where to look for that money,” Wehrly said. “I know how to get things done and will do so for the citizens of San Juan County.”

The opening question asked each candidate how they would maintain an equal presence in the islands were they elected.

“Each county council represents the whole county,” said Watson, who added he would hold office areas outside of Friday Harbor and ensure all info is available on the website.

“I can’t do my job unless people tell me what to do,” said Wherly. “I will actively push for citizens to come to county council meetings.”

All five of the candidates explained that they would be available to the public and try to make their presence known on the islands.

An attendee asked how each candidate would communicate with the public and each responded with a variety of outreach options; from sending out personal letters by Albritton, to hanging out in coffee shops by Jarman.

As with the other two forums, affordable housing was a big topic of discussion.

Penwell mentioned his service on the Homes for Islanders board, as well as being a builder of affordable housing and how the council will need to involve builders in housing discussions.

“Look at what the hamlet did on this island,” said Wehrly. “That’s just fabulous!”

The next question asked was what the candidates believe the role of the county council is.

Jarman explained that the county does not operate in a linear business model. He said that the council supplies the county with man-power and customer service, and that it tries to set the tone over the whole county government.

A “strategic partnership” is how Watson defined the relationship between the county and the county council. He continued by saying that the operation of the county is done by working together toward common goals and objectives.

The next question focused on land conservation, and how the islands were not in total agreement of continuing the excise tax support of the San Juan County Land Bank.

“I was also surprised,” said Penwell, who continued people felt like the land bank was just buying and selling land and were not listening. “It was a wake up call.”

Albritton said that she believes there needs to be restoration of critical areas when it is procured by the land bank. She is in support of the land bank, “It’s essential in helping to maintain the rural character.”

The community asked a few more questions about the importance of the marine environment, what “rural character” means to the candidates and what event inspired each of them to run for the county council seat.

In closing statements each candidate had an additional two minutes to explain to the audience why they would be best suited for the position of council member.

“You guys understand a lot more about this than I do,” said Wherly, who explained that he would want to hear from the people of the county when considering his decisions relating to the council.

“Only by working together can we do better,” said Watson, who read a list of things he commits to, including transparency in government.

“I have a purpose, a plan, passion, perseverance and I will be positive,” said Penwell, followed by him showing a chart of how Community Treasures has grown under his command.

“We’ve got to get the right people in the right places,” said Jarman, who added that he is confident that the existing county council has the skills and cooperation to continue to work well together.

“I know what solid government and leadership looks like, because I have walked in those shoes,” said Albritton, who claimed she would ensure every citizen is treated equally if she were to be elected as a council member. “If not, I will expect a phone call.”