Editor,
In the letter with the headline “Shimada’s only accomplishment is drama,” it is clear to me that “Sharon Miller” (who doesn’t appear to be a registered voter in Coupeville) hasn’t attended a campaign event or candidate forum where Marie Shimada has spoken about her experience.
I’ve heard Marie speak at several events and am happy to share a list of reasons why many of us are supporting Marie:
-Earned her bachelor’s degree from University of Washington
-Has a law degree from University of San Diego, where she worked in the on-campus Veterans Legal Clinic, a pro-bono office servicing veterans who were fighting for discharge upgrades, VA appeals, among other issues
-2021 Leadership Whidbey Cohort
Marie is an accomplished community leader and problem solver:
-Worked as the development director for a human services and homelessness agency in Everett where she led a collaborative project between churches and support service agencies
-Led negotiations in the Snoqualmie River basin supporting farmers and indigenous fishing rights
-Streamlined the review process and reduced processing times under the Ebey’s Design Guidelines, which was lauded as a big win for the community. As Reserve Manager, Marie was described as a smart, passionate, effective and innovative leader in her annual performance review
-Started the Agricultural Committee for Island County
-Worked closely with local officials as director of multi-government partnership to preserve a historic community
-Managed state-level campaigns for Helen Price Johnson and Dave Paul, who have also been her mentors
-Is an Advisory Board Member of Maritime WA National Heritage Area
-Is an active member on the Board of the Economic Development Council of Island County
Clearly, Marie has both experience and accomplishments working with nonprofits, government agencies, community leaders and local businesses.
If you meet Marie, you can feel her passion for supporting our Island County workforce, young families and regional issues like affordable housing, environmental impacts, farming advocacy, health care and economic development. It’s evident she loves Whidbey and is invested in our future. She’s the kind of energetic leader we need.
Yes, Sharon, Marie currently works in a local restaurant while she focuses on her campaign. Why would anyone disparage someone working to pay their bills? FYI, Marie isn’t the only person with a law degree in our local restaurant community.
I encourage everyone to do their own research about Marie Shimada rather than listen to gossip, rumors and misinformation.
Susan Prescott
Langley
