During this season of political nastiness it is gratifying to write about a woman who is capable, experienced and dedicated. Nancy Conard has, for nine years, been such a successful mayor of Coupeville that no one has stepped up to run against her. The 30 years she spent working her way from school secretary to Coupeville School District business manager is indicative of how this soft spoken lady knows how to dig in to get the jobs done. She learned to build consensus, dot every ‘i’, cross every ‘t’ and  her books always balanced. She developed the skills which enabled her to negotiate contracts with district teachers, plus the other district employees.

Retirement after so many successful years saddened her many admirers. When the opportunity arose to run for State Representative those admirers asked Nancy Conard to take on another important job, one for which she is uniquely qualified. Her knowledge of growth management and the intricacies of funding for education alone will be of enormous value in Olympia. It is no wonder she has received numerous endorsements from educators, trade unions, professional women and every day people like me.

I speak for Nancy Conard, who at 18 took a job at the Six Persimmons restaurant in Coupeville. She’d just graduated from Coupeville High School and needed a summer job, while she decided what to do next. I remember her as a gracious young hostess/waiting person in that restaurant, fondly remembered for its superb food and welcoming atmosphere.

Customers, and the owners Rose and Mahlon Brosseau, eagerly welcomed her back whenever vacations allowed. Typical of loyal Nancy Conard, she has continued her friendship with Rose and Lon all these years. When Rose was recently diagnosed with breast cancer, Nancy stepped up. She was able to answer many of Rose’s questions, because Nancy is, in addition to everything else, a cancer survivor.

Having watched Nancy Conard’s work on behalf of our school district, our town and the people of Coupeville, I am confident that she will have the strength, energy and skills do the difficult work we need done in Olympia. I hope you will mark your ballot for Nancy Conard, State Representative, Position 1.

Shirley Reith Bennett

Coupeville