Letter to Editor | Hughes is a Problem-solver

— from Gordon Jonasson —

I am writing to encourage you to vote for re-electing Rick Hughes to Position No.2 on November 8.

My wife and I first met Rick at Ye Scurvy Dogs on Lopez when he was running for San Juan County Council, and we came away from the brief conversation impressed.

Since that time I have come to know him in a more personal way, as I have attended most of the San Juan County Ferry Advisory Committee  meetings over the past six years. I have observed Rick represent the County effectively and as a team member of the FAC. The qualities that have impressed me about Rick are that he is engaging, a good listener, and a problem solver to the very best of his ability.

He has worked to build constructive relationships with State Legislators to support ferry service improvements for the Anacortes-San Juan-Sidney route. He has worked diligently to get legislation passed that allowed County Road funds to be used for improvements in marine facilities, thereby assisting residents with marine craft to better move throughout the Islands. He has worked on the project to improve commuter parking facilities at the Orcas Ferry Terminal that will eliminate the need for parking vehicles along the nearby narrow highway.

I have been involved in the Government Councils for Whatcom, Skagit, Island and Snohomish Counties, commonly referred to as “The Farmhouse Gang”. This group has accomplished major cooperative improvements in transportation services in those Counties, but has desired participation from San Juan County for some time. I approached Rick and asked if he would be interested in joining this group, and he enthusiastically replied, “yes.” He has since become a member of their Planning Committee and has been supportive of the group’s desire to improve transit options between the San Juan’s and transit services at the WSF Anacortes Terminal. He continues work on improving other transportation options for the citizens of the County.

I know that Rick has been actively involved in other important County issues and is focused on providing the best governance for the people of the Islands.

Again, I encourage your support for Rick Hughes on November 8.