In light of the unusual transition time and changes in County government, there are some very good reasons to return Lovel Pratt to County Council: knowledge of complicated issues, countywide experience and good judgment. She is pro-active and tenacious. Her reputation for accessibility, responsiveness and follow-through are well known.
But there’s another strength that makes her our favored candidate: a balanced approach to economic development and safeguarding of the islands’ natural environment. She knows the importance of maintaining a strong local economy, including her support for sustainable tourism — emphasizing visitor education — while demonstrating solid priorities for preservation of our rural island heritage and marine resources. She has dedicated her professional work and volunteer service to this balance. She walks her talk.
Lovel’s performance on the previous Council has consistently produced innovative, positive results. Let’s elect her to the newly-structured County Council District 1 position so that she can contribute her knowledge, experience, and balanced approach.
Robin and Barry Jacobson
San Juan Island
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Based on the investment of a substantial amount of time in observing the operation of County Council over the past four years, I believe that Orcas citizens would be well-served in the upcoming election to take counsel from the San Juan island voters who denied Lovel Pratt another term as their representative only two months ago. If the decision of those best positioned to evaluate Ms. Pratt’s “tenacity” and “access” over the prior four years is not persuasive, do take time to familiarize yourself with her record, her endorsements, and her campaign contributors. I believe that either Marc Forlenza or Bob Jarman is the better choice for a County government that gets out of the way of islanders seeking to make a life here in the County–whether it be building a home, earning a living wage, or creating a small business–while protecting our environment and island way of life.