Editor,

Sharon Miller’s Oct. 9 letter implies commissioner candidate Marie Shimada has “never held a job related to her law degree and never held a job she didn’t botch,” based on her “friend’s opinion.” The professionals I know that attended law school and did not work as lawyers all found that legal knowledge is valuable in any profession. I was a geologist by degree, and spent 35 years at Boeing pretty successfully.

My wife and I read the docs regarding her role at Edmonds College and surmised that Marie encountered inappropriate behavior. I’ve known at least three women that went through similar experiences, who stood up for themselves, and their employers were forced to change for the better. There was nothing “made up,” and plenty of improper behaviors by leaders that should know better. An article published by the Whidbey News-Times on July 26 concluded that “Shimada was fired from her job because she wasn’t doing the work in the way she was told, and that she made a sincere effort to do so in a different manner.” It concluded her boss “created liability for the college because of his perceived conduct towards women and his attitude about equity issues.”

Marie’s “emotionally violent debacle” resignation video as the Ebey’s Reserve Manager was pointed, and yes – critical of some of the people, actions and decisions. The workplace landscape for millennials is different than we older Americans encountered. They are educated students of the world and place value on work-life balance, flexibility, and a purpose to do good. What many of us would have dismissed as status-quo in the office is no longer tolerated.

“I now understand Marie is a waitress, or is she a hostess?” Are you implying that her work serving our community while campaigning for office is beneath her? On the contrary, it shows me how in-touch Marie is with the Whidbey Island community. Do you know that many of the businesses here suffer due to lack of workforce? Reportedly you are not an Island County registered voter, nor can I find you attached to any local property, business or volunteer organization.

You found “three to five employees at Island County who support Marie, and one is her father.” Is it illegal or unethical for a father to support his daughter? Have you met Whidbey? It’s small, and we are all related, have worked for or with each other, or “know someone that knows someone.” I’ve not spoken with any county employee, current or past, that supports Melanie and a few of them relayed “not if she was the only one on the ballot!”

I have known Marie for decades and she is outstanding in character, active in the community and always wanting the best for Whidbey. Do not let a small group of detractors divide this election. You can look up Marie’s diverse experience on LinkedIn or visit her campaign website. Better yet, reach out directly to Marie, she’s “rumored” to be exceedingly responsive.

Vote for Marie Shimada, Island County commissioner!

Mark Helpenstell

Coupeville