Legally the only qualifications necessary to run for any elected office are: 1) that a person is a registered voter residing within the appropriate district and 2) that they have the money to pay a filing fee. They don’t need an education or past experience. They don’t have to speak well or be articulate. In the last commissioner election we learned that you don’t have to be factual, courteous or diplomatic. However, who would be inclined to vote for somebody who met only the minimum requirements or works to obstruct our essential public services? Would any employer hires a person simply because they show up and then obstructs progress!

For our Island County Commissioners seats, this year it’s clearly evident that voters can decide between claims and unsubstantiated statements made by newcomers and the demonstrated qualifications of the incumbents. In the race for County Commissioner for District #2 there is only one candidate who has the education, job qualifications and proven track record of keeping our county solvent while maintaining essential and mandated services through these difficult post recession years. That’s Angie Homola.

Angie demonstrated four years ago that her formal education, professional work experience as an architect and practical experience as a carpenter, machinist and grassroots community supporter qualified her to do the job well. Her time on the job keeping the county solvent and functioning with increased public access and transparency, in spite of formidable challenges, has built a solid foundation for the continued well being of our county. Angie realizes that people want “better not bigger” government.  Her outstanding job performance warrants Commissioner Angie Homola re-election this November. I’m voting for Angie, a proven commissioner, at the helm.

Shirley Bennett

Coupeville