Editor,

Island County was hit with two problems when the economy tanked in 2008.

One was the loss of revenue for the sheriff’s department and the other was similar loss for Island Transit. Commissioner Rick Hannold’s strong leadership helped solve these issues.

He helped to restore staffing at the sheriff department’s roads and criminal division and adopted a solid replacement plan.

The department has replaced seven cars per year and deputies have new weapon systems and get enhanced training needed to do better job in the community.

He helped to save Island Transit from certain bankruptcy. There had been massive cuts in service and painful staff layoffs.

Rick helped reorganize the system, brought in new leadership and got some emergency help from the state.

Today Island Transit has $9 million in the bank, including $6 million in dedicated reserves for new buses, vans and facility upgrades, plus two months of reserve operating expenses and $3 million in operation cash.

Rick has been on the island for 32 years, whereas his opponent has been on Camano Island three years. She last lived in Seattle.

Do we want Seattle values?

Remember everyone in Island County votes in this commissioner race regardless of the district in which you reside.

Bill Carruthers

Clinton