Letter to Editor | Orcas Women’s Coalition Endorses Lekanoff

— from Cindy Wolf —

Your ballot has arrived and it is time to vote! Orcas Women’s Coalition is proud to announce our unanimous endorsement of Debra Lekanoff for the 40th Legislative District seat opened by the retirement of our much-beloved Representative Kris Lytton.

Debra brings to the table 20 years of experience in Swinomish tribal government. She is a master strategist with a proven track record of bringing together tribes and legislators in Olympia to defend the Salish Sea from oil pipelines, invasive salmon farming, and fossil fuel industry vessel traffic. She enjoys the endorsement of Obama-era EPA officials she worked directly with as an advisor.

Here at home she led a successful school levy campaign in La Conner and guided legislation establishing free access to dental care for the children of Swinomish nation. Her involvement was also crucial to the founding of a tribally sponsored opioid addiction treatment center that is available to any resident of Skagit County.

Debra announced her candidacy here on Orcas Island and her multiple visits to Orcas have given us opportunities to interview her and see her in action. She attended a Friday lunch at the
Senior Center and spent time at each table listening to the wisdom and opinions of the elders gathered there. She toured the high school, middle school and Oasis, and talked with the Superintendent about how to fix McCleary to assure proper funding for our rural public schools.

Her endorsements speak volumes about her past work and policy positions.  Civic leaders who have worked on projects with Debra recognize her as a deeply effective force for good. She enjoys sole endorsement from Representative Kris Lytton. San Juan County Council members Jamie Stephens and Rick Hughes both endorse her, as do seven tribal governments, three unions, Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense, NARAL and Emily’s list.

To see her full endorsement list check DebraLekanoff.com.

Part of our mission at Orcas Women’s Coalition is to elect and empower women in politics. We believe our work and tangible support will encourage leaders of awesome talent, integrity and experience to step forward and run for office. It is with pleasure that we support Debra in
her bid to put her outstanding skills, experience and connections in service to all the people of the 40th Legislative District.