Island County voters have two excellent candidates from which to choose for the District 1 county commissioner positions. Appointed Republican incumbent Phil Bakke is facing a formidable challenge from a South Whidbey School Board member, Democrat Helen Price Johnson.

As a long-time county employee and former planning department head, Bakke is an expert in land use issues. He’s also a hard worker and very likable, and he’s worked successfully to bring more citizens into the planning process. If voters choose to keep Bakke in his position, we can’t fault them. He will make a very good commissioner for years to come.

However, Whidbey Island is very conservative when it comes to changing its representatives in Coupeville. Mike Shelton served more than 16 years before resigning and McDowell will have served 20 years if he wins re-election. So we want the best candidate possible when filling a position.

In District 1, her impressive breadth of experience makes Price Johnson the better choice. She has been an effective school board leader. She also has years of business experience, both as a retail store owner and co-owner of a small construction company, and she’s been a leader in her church. She’s dealt with the county, so she knows people’s problems in dealing with the county. Thousands of people who feel unrepresented in Coupeville will finally have someone they know in office, whether they’re from the school community, business community or faith community.

Price Johnson takes a careful approach to government, studying the issues before committing to a course. She can be trusted to represent all the people of Island County, coming into office with a fresh perspective and no baggage. Although both choices are good in District 1, Price Johnson is the best.