Editor,

I commend the South Whidbey Record for its Oct. 14 position 1 and 2 endorsements of council candidates Christy Korrow and Dominique Emerson. I especially appreciate The Record’s thoughtful, respectful and positive recognition of attributes that all six candidates bring to the local competition. But had I been you, I might have waited until after the League of Women Voters’ Candidates Forum of Tuesday, Oct. 17 before endorsing for position 5, a race between political newcomer Peter Morton and incumbent Thomas Gill. The forum will reveal important contrasts, especially between Mr. Morton and Mr. Gill.

“We haven’t agreed with all of his decisions,” writes The Record about Mr. Gill, “but he’s conducted himself honestly and honorably.” In today’s increasingly complex world, while character is valued — should be valued — in our elected officials, we need more than character. Langley would benefit greatly from the many years of leadership that Peter Morton, a long-time Whidbey Island resident of quiet and constant integrity, brings to our village. As vice president of human resources at Boeing, Peter’s experience would be invaluable to our community whose challenges and issues grow more complex each and every year. As a board member of WICA, Peter demonstrated exemplary civic participation, as have his contributions to the historic and recreational aviation culture. Peter is a patient listener, a man who would process our issues with depth, clarity and great respect. The Record described Peter Morton’s potential contributions as “awesome.”

To that I agree. In fact, Langley enjoys an “awesome threesome” in Christy Korrow, Dominique Emerson and Peter Morton. As a 17-year resident of Langley, I have not until now witnessed better qualified candidates than these three. I hope that like me, friends and neighbors will vote for “the awesome threesome” because they best reflect the awesome people who live, work, shop and recreate in and love Langley.

Sincerely,

SHAREN HEATH

Langley