Island County Commissioner Jill Johnson endorsed board candidate Rick Hannold in a letter to the newspaper last week.

Both are Republicans.

“Like you, I take voting very seriously,” Johnson said. “And despite my party affiliation, I rarely vote a party-line ballot. When I chose who to vote for, a person’s character and motivation for serving trumps all.”

Johnson said that both Hannold and his Democratic challenger Karla Jacks are “two good options in the race for District 3 Commissioner.”

However, she said, “I am thoughtfully and enthusiastically voting for Rick Hannold.”

Hannold shares her conservative values, which include maintaining law and justice funding as a top priority and that a “limited, focused, priority-based government” is in the county’s best interest.

Johnson and Hannold also agree that Whidbey Island Naval Air Station is a vital part of the community, not to be treated as “an unwelcome or unwanted guest,” Johnson said.

“Rick Hannold will bring a fresh and needed perspective to the Board of Commissioners. His style is refreshing, agenda-free, and needed.”

As a private contractor and a retired Navy chief, Johnson said she believes Hannold brings the experience and leadership abilities needed to run the county.

Neither Hannold nor Johnson could be reached for comment before press time.