Letter to the Editor: Byers Excels in Priorities and Leadership

As a property owner, parent, pedestrian and long time resident, Lisa Byers has my vote.

As a property owner, I have watched Lisa utilize her immaculate skill set to lead Opal for 17 years. In doing show, she continually balanced housing needs, local families and jobs, and the needs of our beautiful island environment. Additionally, her vast experience of the permitting regulations and requirements from OUR perspective will serve us well on the County Council.

As a parent, I admire Lisa waiting until her children were grown and standing on their own (as demonstrated in a recent Letter to the Editor) before choosing to run for County Council. Personally, I was hoping she would run for office over a decade ago. Her wise decision allowed her to focus on her family and now allows her to focus on the monumental tasks associated with being on a 3-seat council.

I first met and worked with Lisa back in 2003 when she served and led the EPRC (Eastsound Planning and Review Committee) on the issue of Non-motorized Transportation. Lisa’s commitment to this issue was evident and I experienced first hand her incredible leadership and listening skills. The experience has impacted me profoundly in a positive way.

Finally, as a long time resident, I remember what it was like to move here. Acclimating to island living is a process, and it is sometimes challenging to figure out “how things work.” I recently witnessed a conversation between Lisa and a new resident that considered not voting due to lack of knowledge on “the government system here.” Lisa happily answered each and every one of his questions, summarizing our complex system in simple terms (that even taught me a few things). Her welcome and friendly tone, combined with her vast understanding of our county structure, are qualities befitting a worthy council candidate.

Lisa Byers is an incredibly talented, experienced, strong and effective candidate and is worthy of your vote too.

Cathy Faulkner
Olga, WA