Editor,

I pray that people will research who they are voting [for] for Island County Commissioner District 3. If you look at Karla Jacks, you will see she is the obvious choice.

Karla has lived on Camano Island for 20-plus-years raising her three sons with her husband Jay. Her family roots go much further back with grandparents owning summer property on Whidbey Island. Her boys will be the fifth generation enjoying the family property on Whidbey, being raised on Camano. She earned her degree at Washington State University and MBA at Oklahoma City University.

She has touched so many people’s lives in one way or another from small children to seniors. I will give you just three examples from her long list of accomplishments.

Seniors—Karla has been the Executive Director of the Camano Center since 2007 and helped build it to what it is today. One of the programs she has put into place for the Camano Island seniors is the Disaster Registry Program. This program pairs elders with a neighbor who can step in and check on them during heavy snows, storms and power outages.

Teens—Karla was involved in Stanwood High School football, wrestling and swimming programs. In 2013 she led a fundraiser to replace the floor in the high school weight room as it was deemed unsafe. She also led fundraising to help the swim team have a place to practice for two years when the only pool in Stanwood closed.

Elementary Age—Karla co-wrote and piloted the Peer Buddy Program at Church Creek Elementary in 2000. This is a program designed to build friendships between children with disabilities and their peers. She took this program statewide and spoke to many schools and parent groups around Washington.

Karla is/has been diligently meeting with people to learn more about the county and assess its needs. As a part of her heritage she is running for Island County Commissioner to help make the right decisions for what is best for everyone who lives here for years to come.

LAUREL NIVEN

Camano Island