To the editor:

I am writing on behalf of the candidacy of Helen Price Johnson for re-election for District 1 Island county commissioner.

Helen is knowledgeable, caring, a good listener with an open mind on issues, and someone who is able to make tough decisions when required. Being a good county commissioner requires the ability to juggle numerous issues at the same time while applying clear thinking and fair consideration to all sides. Helen has these abilities. She has honed these skills over her years as a businessperson, as a community volunteer, as a South Whidbey School District school board member, and in her first term as an Island County Commissioner.

Helen had to address an Island County budget situation over the past few years that few people would have had the courage or aptitude to tackle. Each of the last four years have brought increasingly difficult program priority issues that have created painful cuts in all county agencies, including public safety and prosecution of offenders. This is no popularity contest. With Helen’s leadership, the county balances its budget each year and seeks creative ways to make up for less revenues and keep priority programs and services alive.

What more can we ask from a county commissioner? We need a person who is hard working, a good listener and open-minded when it comes to making decisions. These are the characteristics that define Helen.

I hope all of you will join me in voting for Helen Price Johnson for District 1 Island County Commissioner.

Jack Lynch

Clinton