Its time once again for Marianne’s election crib sheet. This
one crept up on me, so you already have your ballots in hand. As ever, even
though these are theoretically minor positions, they have major impact on how
we live our lives. Your vote really does matter.
Here’s
the basic information:
Ballots
must be returned no later than August 4.
You can mail your ballot, as long as the
postmark is on or before August 4.
Or you can drop your ballot into one of 5
special collection boxes at:
Island County Elections Office
400 N Main
Street Coupeville
Oak Harbor City Hall 865 SE Barrington Oak Harbor
Trinity Lutheran Church 18341 Hwy 525 Freeland
Ken’s Corner Red Apple 4141 Hwy 525 Clinton
Camano Annex 121 N East Camano
Dr Camano
For
questions, contact elections@co.island.wa.us
or
phone 360-679-7366 M-F 9:00 – 4:00
And here are the races and candidates:
Hospital district, position 2
Rita Bartell Drum, Oak Harbor
She
spoke to the Oak Harbor Republicans, who gave her a blurb in their newsletter. She’s
been here 1 year from the east coast and has a Masters in Forensic Examination.
Perhaps she should run for coroner.
Rob Born, Greenbank, retired attorney
WGH
Blogger – pretty consistently critical of Whidbey General on any and every
issue. He is much supported by the ultra-right tea party faction. That alone
makes me very nervous.
He
spoke to the Oak Harbor Republicans, who gave him a blurb in their newsletter.
He’s retired Navy, retired attorney, and all curmudgeon.
Georgia Gardner – incumbent, CPA, former state legislator
from the Hospital District’s website: Longtime Central Whidbey resident Georgia Gardner, CPA, was selected in June 2012 for the position of District 2 Public Hospital Commissioner. Gardner, who lives in Coupeville, was chosen in a public meeting by the four sitting commissioners after hearing from six highly qualified candidates. Gardner has a strong history of public service and deep ties to the Whidbey Island community. She told the board that because of her accounting background, she would focus on finances and overall organizational performance, but would also be a keen advocate for island residents and a thoughtful listener to their concerns. Gardner’s term as commissioner officially began at the board’s July 9, 2012 meeting.
Georgia was evidently not invited to speak to the Republicans.
I followed Ms Gardner when she was a legislator, and found her positions very much consistent with my own. I have not followed the doings of the Whidbey General board but see no reason to remove a competent incumbent in favor of either a newcomer or a long-time crank.
I’ll be voting for Georgia Gardner
Hospital district, position 4
Nancy Fey – incumbent
from the Hospital District’s website: Nancy
Fey has spent more than 45 years in healthcare as a pharmacist in both retail
and hospital settings. A Whidbey Island resident since 1966, Fey worked at
Whidbey General for nearly 26 years and wants to keep the hospital on the
leading edge of the ever-changing healthcare environment. As a hospital
employee, Fey and her colleagues were committed to providing quality care with
respect and compassion. As commissioner, she is dedicated to supporting and
strengthening those efforts. In addition to her pharmaceutical background, Fey
has owned several successful businesses in Oak Harbor. She is a charter member
of Soroptimist International of Oak Harbor, a deacon at her church and has
served on the Skagit Valley College Foundation Board. She is a member and past
president of the Polly Harpole Hospital Guild, current president of the Whidbey
General Hospital Auxiliary and a volunteer registrar for Puget Sound Blood
Center. Fey invites your concerns and questions with the goal of keeping
Whidbey General alive and well and serving the residents of Whidbey Island.
Erika Carnahan
endorsed
by the tea party faction. Has worked in medical administration. News-Times quotes her
as objecting to the complacency of the current board.
I am
by no means enamored of the current board of Whidbey General. On the other
hand, I’m not ready for a revolution there. I think keeping the incumbent is
probably the best move.
I
can’t vote in district 4, but if I could, I would vote for Nancy Fey.
Langley mayor
Thomas Gill
member
Langley Masons, Lodge #218
He’s
volunteered for the city for years, which has been a help. He is ardently
pro-funicular, which I believe is a serious hindrance. Judging from the fact
that no one came to ask him questions when he made himself available suggests
few are taking his candidacy seriously. I know and like Thomas. I don’t believe
he would make a good mayor for Langley.
Sharon Emerson
A
long- time resident and business person. Level-headed. Ardently anti-funicular
for reasons with which I agree wholeheartedly. She’s not been involved in city
government before, but she’s a quick study, and lack of experience has not
prevented others from being elected. I know and like Sharon, which rather
colors my opinion. I think she would do well as mayor.
Tim Callison
His
wife currently sits on the city council, so he has some idea of how things work
and what the issues are. I am a bit nervous about his bigger business
background and vision, among other things, to “plan sustainable growth for
residents and business activities.” I wish I had the time to ask him what he
means by that. I have now had one short experience of Mr Callison at a PAB
meeting. I think he might make a good mayor, but feel like I need to know more
before supporting him.
Luckily,
I don’t have to vote in Langley. If I did, I would most likely go for Sharon
Emerson.
Langley
city council position #3
Ursula
Shoudy
I
knew Ursula’s mom, and Ursula when she was young. Have had no contact in many
years. Seems she’s now working at the Rod & Gun Club, one of my least
favorite places. I have seen nothing about why she wants to sit on the council,
but Maureen Cooke supports her candidacy, which increases my nervousness.
Eric
Levine
I’ve
known Eric for years, ever since he volunteered at the front desk in City Hall.
He is earnestly well intentioned. He’s also ardently pro-funicular. He has an
unfortunate tendency to get side-tracked from the central issue. He’s also very
thin-skinned, a serious liability in public office.
I’m
afraid I can endorse neither candidate for council.
Oak Harbor mayor
Jim
Campbell
He
was invited to speak to the Oak Harbor Republicans but did not attend. I have
seen him in action on the Oak Harbor city council and was seriously
underwhelmed. Says he’s running so Severns would not run unopposed. Not the
best reason.
Bob
Severns
http://www.votebobmayor.com/
He
was invited to speak to the Oak Harbor Republicans but did not attend. His
priorities seem reasonable, given that the current mayor is an egomaniacal ass
who has severely damaged the city.
Martha
Yount
She
was invited to speak to the Oak Harbor Republicans, is a long time resident and
retired small business owner. She ran unsuccessfully for council in 2011. “A
few of her priorities are public safety and a clean environment.”
Of
the three candidates, I think Severns will do the least damage to the city.
