Editor,

It is time for a change in leadership in the Island County Clerk’s Office and that is why I am voting for Dierdre Butler in the upcoming election. Dierdre brings to this position the experience and the ability to make the changes that are long overdue in the Clerk’s Office. The incumbent has been in the position for 12 years and has run unopposed since that time. Dierdre worked in the clerk’s office for eight years, three of which she was the deputy county clerk so she understands the workings of that position and knows what it will take to make the office run more efficiently with transparency and a better public interaction. In addition to her work in the Clerk’s Office, she also has held positions in the county Health Department and Auditor’s Office.

The Clerk’s Office handles all the paperwork that is used in the Island County Court system so attention to detail and accuracy is a must. The people in that office must be experienced and work cohesively to produce the records for the court. Unfortunately, this department has experienced the highest personnel turnover rates in the county, 47 people have left the department in the last ten years. This means that productivity is lost by continuously having to train new people. One of the reasons for the high turnover rate is a toxic work environment under the current leadership, which is the reason that Dierdre resigned her position as deputy clerk and moved to another department.

With her leadership. Dierdre will bring fresh ideas for a smoother running department, more transparent operation, and a friendly and sympathetic face to the public when processing documents. These are the reasons that I am voting for Dierdre Butler and I hope that you will vote for her too.

Kirby Stevens

Coupeville