Letter to Editor | Mia is the one we have been waiting for

— from Sadie Bailey —

Qualifications, problem solving and “can-do” attitude are great selling points in a Public servant. Both candidates for Seat 4 have made great accomplishments in their respective fields and lives. But it’s the HOW of attaining and using life skills that is more important to me.

IMO, the most telling and necessary qualification in a Public servant, OR a private board member where the Public has no power to vote them out, is interface with one’s co-commissioners, the employees of the tax district or private entity where one is a board member, and most important, the electorate and citizens one represents. This, and one’s conduct in Public meetings – and outside of them – is more telling than an encyclopedic laundry-list of qualifications.

I am going to vote for the person who I know is a collaborator and who listens without prejudice or agenda. I’m going to vote for the one who is enthusiastic, open-minded, willing to really hear and learn all sides of a thing. I’ve seen both of these candidates in action in Public meetings enough times to know that the best person for the Port seat is Mia Kartagainer.

People should know who, and what, they are getting in a Public servant. Mia is a bridge-builder. She will give her all with good humor, curiosity, grace, and dedication.

I also feel that the other challengers for the Port seats come to the table with
sincere desire to include all citizens and give us voice. They want a more
conservative and fiscally responsible approach to meeting FAA standards for our rural airport, while protecting rural character and affected ecosystems. This is what we need going forward in a time of rampant unchecked development and growth. There ARE alternatives to slow down, aim for balance and responsible planning, and care for this island that gives us so much; we can’t just keep taking.

For those of us who the system keeps failing, vote! Local and district/ state elections are where we CAN effect change! Let’s elect the quality people we’ve been waiting for!