Editor,

We’re so fortunate with two exceptional candidates for South Whidbey commissioner on the D side – we should be so lucky. Marie Shimada and Melanie Bacon are vying for a victory in our August primary for District 1. Here’s why my vote goes to Marie.

Melanie has been a great commissioner for four years after serving as the county HR for some time. Her outreach telling voters what is happening within Island County government including links to the relevant audio transcripts is truly outstanding. What an incentive to that citizen involvement which makes our government work. She’s sharp and people orientated and a hard worker.

So why consider another candidate for District 1 commissioner? Well there’s a young attorney named Marie Shimada who might just be a better fit at this time and place. Marie grew up on the South End of the Island and has a passion for examining and questioning the status quo? She’s a quick study with fresh ideas and an infectious enthusiasm for a slower moving County government.

She’s met with scores of groups and individuals to hear their concerns about life in District 1. She listens, she understands and has the leadership capabilities to inspire, propose remedies and make em work.

If you meet her, those capabilities are immediately obvious, She’ll dive into challenges with a fresh approach. We’re so lucky to have such a capable young person willing to represent us in our county government with such leadership capabilities.

Dean Enell

South Whidbey