Letter to Editor | In support of candidate Jennifer Swanson

||| FROM JOANNE COLMAN WESTER ||| 

Taking time to listen and asking thoughtful questions are the two superpowers of County Council candidate Jennifer Swanson. I am writing to support Jennifer’s candidacy for the district 3 County Council position.

I have known Jennifer for over 20 years—first as a parent and school board member at Shaw Island School, then as the school superintendent, and most recently as a colleague in the San Juan County CLT Alliance.   Jennifer shares many of my priorities—affordable housing, fiscal accountability, reliable ferry service, and environmental stewardship.

Unlike the other Council members, she comes from one of the smaller San Juan Islands and understands the unique challenges and lack of representation for the less populated and rural island populations, especially regarding income inequality and the threat of extinction for our modest and low income year-round communities.

I recently heard Jennifer speak at the county fair and again at the September Waldron Community Meeting where she gracefully engaged with disgruntled constituents. Her ability to listen patiently, to ask and answer questions knowledgeably, and her leadership experience earns my vote for District 3 County Commissioner.