||| FROM THOMAS BRIDGE |||
The story of Community Water Taxi Group (CWT) is intertwined with Justin Paulsen. Simply put, without Justin, CWT would never have happened. The recent success of a $1,500,000 emergency transportation grant from Governor Inslee to the County, would not have happened.
On Saturday morning Aug 19, 2023, I received an urgent call from Justin concerning 30+ kids needing to get to Friday Harbor for the County Fair. Justin knew both the need and my qualifications; I did not know Justin. Within 45 min of his call we had arranged subsidized fare, acquired permission to use docks, and picked up our first passengers. It was an amazing call to service that seems to happen around Justin.
Initially, we thought this was a one-off event, but little did we know the MV Chelan would hit Shaw Island Sunday evening. Come Monday, cancer patients, workers, and other residents with essential transportation needs were left in the lurch. Justin saw the wisdom to provide an alternative to Washington State Ferry service.
Together, we created a citizen group of community-oriented residents. CWT was born! So began 13 months of collaboration that continues today. CWT did collect, review and analyze data, assess the need, share ideas, and bring many diverse people into the project, including our Ports and Council. Together, we promoted and lobbied for funding. It’s been a challenging but rewarding project.
Working closely with Justin Paulsen over the last year, I have witnessed his strong commitment to our community and every resident. He possesses many useful skills: he listens and carefully considers diverse viewpoints, assesses and determines facts, evaluates complex issues, and collaboratively works to solve challenging problems.
If you are looking for a Councilperson who will listen to each and every voice, think creatively, work well in a group, and meet challenges and setbacks with determination then Justin is the right choice for County Counsel. You honestly cannot do better.
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Tom has provided invaluable service to our community of islands. Much respect to my friend.
In service to others: We are so lucky in SJC to have individuals with the skills and vision willing to come together in support of their neighbors in their daily lives. Much respect and thanks to Thomas, Justin and the rest of the team for CWT. Justin is the obvious pick for SJC Council District 2. C
Thank you Tom for all you have done and continue to do, and also for your recognition of Justin’s role. Official or unofficial, elected or not,, Justin’s there on the spot, pitching in as a hands-on, contributing member of our community.