— from Donna Gerardi Riordan —
Mia gets Orcas. I know her and like her tremendously, so I reveal my bias upfront. She has lived and been a business owner here for decades, and has first-hand knowledge of the ebb and flow of this community. The Port needs that kind of insight now.
But what blew me away a couple of months ago was that she took the time to review in detail the Port’s plans and then write about them in an informative way that had only one goal: to inform all of us about what is going on. No bluster; no obfuscation. Just the facts as part of her personal exploration and desire to share what she learned with us. And her review, linked here, was a tremendous contribution – a service — to our collective understanding of what is going on with the Port, and why.
We need that kind of leadership on the Port Commission. The way that the slots are allotted for this kind of election means that another potentially thoughtful commissioner will not win. But we as voters do not make the rules; we just get to vote. I see no need to disparage her opponent based on rules set by others. (I’m saddened to see some others resort to those kinds
of comments in OI.) As individual voters, all we need to do is make our choice, and my vote will be for Mia because:
- She’s smart as heck.
- She knows this community inside and out, warts and all.
- She does her homework and will ALWAYS be prepared.
- She will attend meetings.
- She will ask tough questions.
- She will hold the Port accountable fiscally and insist on improving communications about what is going on and why.
- She will share her vision for the future that is informed by reality: the essential balance of reasonable growth on our beloved Orcas with environmental concerns, and
- If there’s ever going to be a candidate who will turn over every stone to explore the viability of small electric aviation in markets like Orcas, it is Mia. That’s an environmentally friendly and informed approach that would practice what we preach here on our little island jewel.
I’m all in for Mia. Our community will be better with her as a new, formidable Port Commissioner.
Vote. For. Mia.
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Well said Donna! We support Mia, and also Michael Triplett, Pierrette Guimond for port commissioners as forward, community oriented comissioners.
I do not know Mia. I don’t think.. No one has posted her pic yet.
I guess this is the way to mock those of us that are not already well connected or do not remember names of strangers well. How is this different than very well-spoken gossip, in print. . or being subtly dismissive of anyone who is not part of your social circle?
Leif, I recently posted something on OI that had my picture in it- it didn’t translate. I’m sorry we haven’t met. I know of you from your comments here, and from my partner, a former library board member. I work in the deli at Island Market and would love it if you would come introduce yourself. Otherwise, I am hiding in plane sight on FB.
I agree with your endorsement of Mia, Donna; for all the reasons you say why Mia is the best candidate for that seat, and more. We need her vision, insight, collaborative nature, and intelligence, and – dare I say it? Sense of humor and ability to take herself lightly.
That said, your use of the word “disparagement” is troubling. It is our civic DUTY to pay attention to our government, and report on what we see, especially if it’s not “nice” – if a paper will print it. More on that in a guest editorial that I hope the papers will print because the subject of “manners,” used by the elite to silence the masses, is a long and troubling history and that balloon of denial and deceit needs to be popped.