Editor,

Island County Commissioner District 1 voters have given Helen Price Johnson an over-whelming show of support with their 70 percent “yes” vote in the primary election. This should show the rest of Island County that she is the best candidate for a continuation of the work she has done as a commissioner these past eight years.

Helen works tirelessly for the whole county, not just District 1. She has developed relationships with our representatives in Washington, D.C. She has made an impact on members of Congress and agencies with her ability to articulate tough issues in support of our small county. One example is the way the Federal Emergency Management Agency (or FEMA) defined the flood plain maps, which has a direct impact on insurance rates. Since we have a unique shoreline in Island County, Helen convinced FEMA officials to re-examine this issue.

She went to Washington, D.C., as part of a 50-member contingent, a partnership made up of Washington local government representatives, nonprofit and business leaders, focused on gaining funding for saving Puget Sound waters and salmon recovery. While there, she talked to members of Congress about Island County’s precious nearshore habitat and how important it is to protect it.

Helen has also worked with state and federal agencies to expand and maintain beach access to the public. This also includes the marine trail points on both Whidbey and Camano islands.

When the property adjacent to the Robinson boat ramp became available, she worked with the other commissioners to identify ways to keep it public. Being able to enjoy our islands and environs is very important to her and this is one example of her commitment to keeping this a great place to live.

All of Island County will benefit from Helen Price Johnson as a county commissioner in 2017, which means we need to vote for her in the election in November.

Barb and Mark Schultz

Freeland