What makes me different | Katherine’s closing statement

||| FROM KATHERINE BRYANT INGMAN for SAN JUAN COUNTY COUNCIL |||

What makes me different, and why should you vote for me? I think it comes down to perspective and experience.

I’m part of the next generation trying to build a life here. I’ve rented here in a difficult housing market, worked multiple jobs, and wondered whether my husband and I could afford to stay. We were lucky enough to buy a fixer-upper, and we’re still fixing it up today. The challenges facing working families, renters, young people, and seniors aren’t abstract to me. They’re my lived experience.

Service has always been a big part of who I am. My parents are educators, and both of my grandmothers were librarians. Public service wasn’t just something they did. It was a value that was passed down through generations.

I’ve also spent my career bringing people together, building coalitions, and solving problems across Washington State. Today, I work for the Washington Women’s Foundation, where I partner with communities to expand opportunity and strengthen programs for women and girls. I’ve worked with local leaders, nonprofits, philanthropy, and government to get things done, and I’ll bring that same advocacy and energy to San Juan County.

Closer to home, I’ve stepped up when our community needed it. When the pandemic hit, I helped lead the effort to scale up the Lopez Food Bank. When the University of Washington pulled out of the Lopez clinic, I led the transition to Sea Mar so health care could stay here.

What I hear from people across the county is that everything is connected. If we can’t find housing, it’s harder to keep health care workers, teachers, and young families here. If transportation isn’t reliable, it affects jobs, businesses, health care, and daily life. If we don’t take care of our environment, future generations will pay the price. And with challenging budget decisions ahead, we need leaders who can see those connections and make thoughtful choices.

I believe a strong economy is the foundation for everything else. If working people can’t afford to live here, businesses can’t find employees, families leave, and our communities suffer.

This council seat requires more than casting votes. It requires visibility, relationships, and relentless advocacy.

I’m running because I believe we need the next generation of leaders in county government. We need representation that reflects the working class in our communities, people who want to build their families here and are ready to lead. I believe we need transparent, responsive and community-oriented local government. 

If you want a council member who understands what it takes to build a future here, who knows how to bring people together and get results, and who will be a strong advocate for every island, I would be honored to earn your vote. I would be proud to serve as your voice on the County Council and help build a strong future for all of San Juan County.

To learn more, visit katherinebryantingman.com.